PM Modi during his Mann Ki Baat on October 30, 2016 extended Diwali greetings to the entire Nation. He said that festivals define the joyous spirit of India. He said Indian festivals have widespread effect, its depth, its reach to each individual are all interlinked with one spirit which exhorts evolution from the ‘self’ to the ‘whole’. The idea is that there should be a development of individuals and their personalities, the limited scope of thinking must expand and cover not only the society but, the whole universe, PM Modi added furthermore.

Diwali conveys the message of ‘Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya’, to move from darkness to light, the Prime Minister said. He added that Diwali is the time to move away from the darkness of superstition and blind-faith, darkness of ignorance, darkness of poverty and also darkness of social evils.

PM stated that Diwali also signifies time for cleanliness. He urged people across the country to not only clean their homes but extend the Swachhta movement to the neighbourhood and surroundings.