Diwali joy for Indian employees at JCB

25 October, 2022

Employees on secondment from India celebrate Hindu festival and mark historic day for the UK

EMPLOYEES from JCB’s factories in India today joined in celebrations in the UK for Diwali – on the day that the UK appointed a Prime Minister of Indian descent.

The group – all of whom are currently on secondment in the UK from JCB India – joined company chairman Anthony Bamford in marking their country’s most important festival at the World HQ in Rocester, Staffordshire. The occasion coincided with the historic appointment of Rishi Sunak MP after he met King Charles at Buckingham Palace earlier today.

During today’s celebration, Lord Bamford helped to distribute traditional Diwali sweets to employees who have remained in the UK rather than returning home for the Hindu Festival of Lights. Special candles – known as diyas – were also lit to mark the occasion, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Anthony Bamford said: ‘Today is a major day. Not only is it Diwali, but Rishi Sunak, whose grandparents came from Punjab, has been appointed as Prime Minister. It really does show the close relationship that India and the UK have, which is something I find symbolic, particularly today.’

Laxman Chari, who is on secondment at JCB Cab Systems, in Uttoxeter, from JCB India in Pune, said: ‘We are away from our families on Diwali and we miss them, so to be able to celebrate today with Lord Bamford is a great feeling, particularly on a day that the UK gets a Prime Minister who is of Indian descent, which is something that makes me, as an Indian, feel very proud.’

Also joining the employees today was Lipi Kapoor, of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, who is currently completing a four-month internship at the World HQ. Her father, Naveen Kapoor, is the owner of one of JCB’s major dealers in India, Mayank Equipments in Jodhpur.

Ms Kapoor said: ‘Diwali is a festival of light which is celebrated across India and during the festival families get together, distribute sweets and gifts, and wear new clothes. Being away from my family today it was very touching to be able to mark the occasion with Lord Bamford and fellow Indian colleagues.’