He said,

"Much has happened in the world since thelast Diwali, and this is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the year past and rededicate ourselves to spreading peace and tolerance in the coming year."

Obama recalled,

"Last year, I wrote that Diwali's celebration of the triumph of illumination over ignorance had a special meaning for me. Atthat time, traveling across America and meeting people of every spiritual andethnic background showed me that there's much more that unites us than divides us. Now, one year later, I believe this even more strongly."

"Americans, despite our varied background," he argued, "believe that all people are created equal,and that each person should be free to practice or not practice religion as they choose. These beliefs have faced challenges at home and abroad through out history, but they are the beliefs our nation was founded on, and we always return to them."

Obama pledged that

"if I'm elected President of the UnitedStates, I will work to renew America's moral leadership in the world," and declared, "This is our time to create change, and I believe that we can and must continue to fight against ignorance and intolerance."

"I hope you enjoy your celebration and renewyour commitment to overcoming ignorance.

I wish you all the best for a joyous Diwali," he said in his message.

 JS Sahai