Diwali is a celebration of light, positivity and kindness and a fitting time to reflect on how far our sector has come.
Ours is an industry where light consistently prevails, even in the brief moments of darkness, sustained by people who look out for one another and by work whose relevance only continues to grow.
That progress is built every day by the people behind it, and is why this celebration belongs to all of us.
To mark the occasion, we have gathered festive greetings from some of our sector’s key opinion leaders.
Anil Sharma, Committee Member and Regional Representative for East of England, Community Pharmacy England
Diwali has always been an important part of my life, providing a moment for reflection and gratitude. As a pharmacy owner, I know the last year has brought further demands – from sourcing hard-to-find medicines to taking on MenB vaccinations. At Community Pharmacy England, we recognise the dedication of pharmacy teams in responding to these challenges and we’re working to build relationships with Burnham’s new Government to secure investment and support for the sector. As we celebrate Diwali, I hope you can take the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, and to recognise the fulfilment that comes from helping others.
Henry Gregg, Chief Executive, National Pharmacy Association
The NPA is privileged to represent and support many members in the Hindu, Sikh, Buddist and Jain communities. Many of you will soon be celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights and the triumph of light over darkness. On this very special occasion, I wish peace and prosperity to all my colleagues and friends celebrating Diwali.
Olivier Picard, Chair, National Pharmacy Association
I wish peace and prosperity to all NPA members celebrating Diwali – and your families, the people you work with and the patients you serve. Because it marks the start of a new year, Diwali is an excellent opportunity to reflect on change and renewal. Whatever changes you may make in your life at work, home and in wider society, I hope these will help sustain you and your loved ones for the year ahead and long beyond.
Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive, Company Chemists’ Association
Wishing readers of Pharmacy Business, and all those celebrating, a very Happy Diwali. The Festival of Lights is a time for celebration, reflection and optimism for the year ahead. And despite the many challenges our sector still faces, there is much for community pharmacy to feel positive about. This year once again we have had the opportunity to demonstrate the enormous potential of the sector. There is much to celebrate in community pharmacy and even more potential still to unlock. I wish you, your families and communities a very Happy Diwali, filled with happiness, prosperity and light.
With all new pharmacists having a prescribing qualification and the expansion of independent prescribing within the contractual framework, we have an exciting opportunity to transform the care patients can access through their local pharmacy. Similarly, the rollout of the MenB vaccination service has again shown how quickly community pharmacy can step up and deliver at scale when given the opportunity.
These are just two of the recent developments that offer reasons for optimism. As the NHS looks to move more care into communities and make better use of the skills of pharmacy teams, community pharmacy has an increasingly important role to play in delivering the nation’s healthcare.
Harry McQuillan, Chairman, Numark
Numark wishes to thank all its members for the care and services they deliver to the UK population. At this time, I extend my best wishes to colleagues celebrating Diwali and I very much hope you enjoy the festivities. Have a great time with family and friends.
Tase Oputu, President, Royal College of Pharmacy
To everyone across our pharmacy community celebrating Diwali, I hope you have a wonderful celebration. We’re lucky to work in a profession made up of people from so many different backgrounds and cultures, and it’s important to have the opportunity to celebrate that. I hope you get the chance to spend some well-deserved time with family, friends and loved ones. Happy Diwali!
Amandeep Doll, Director for England, Royal College of Pharmacy
As a Punjabi woman, Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas hold deep meaning for me. Together, they remind us of the enduring power of light, hope, justice and freedom. These celebrations encourage us to reflect on the triumph of good over adversity, the importance of compassion and service, and our responsibility to support one another. These values continue to inspire compassion, courage and service in our everyday lives. As we gather with family, friends and community, may we take time to appreciate our blessings and recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive and equitable future. Wishing everyone a joyful Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.
Diwali Mubarak and Bandi Chhor Divas di lakh lakh vadhaiyan
Lisa Banks, Managing Director of Pharmacy Insurance, NPA Insurance Ltd
It’s wonderful that so many will be lighting up their homes to mark the festival of lights. All of us at NPA Insurance extend our best wishes to all who celebrate this Diwali and hope that the new year brings with it peace, prosperity and security for you, your family and friends. Whatever your faith and your tradition I hope this is a joyous time.
Liz Fidler, Senior Professional Advisor for Pharmacy Technician Practice, NHS England
As Diwali approaches, I would like to send my warmest wishes to all those celebrating. May this Festival of Lights bring happiness, hope and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Diwali reminds us of the importance of community, kindness and service to others. These values are reflected every day across our pharmacy workforce. I would like to thank pharmacy technicians, pharmacists and the wider pharmacy team for their professionalism, expertise and commitment to delivering safe, effective and compassionate care for patients. The diversity of our workforce is one of our greatest strengths, and the contributions of colleagues from all backgrounds enrich our profession and the people we serve. Wishing everyone celebrating a joyful and peaceful Diwali.
Amy Laflin, President, Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK
As we celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all pharmacy technicians, pharmacy colleagues, healthcare professionals, and their families who are marking this special occasion.
“Diwali is a time of reflection, hope, renewal, and togetherness. It reminds us of the importance of compassion, kindness, and the positive impact we can have on the lives of others. These values resonate strongly within our profession, where pharmacy teams work tirelessly every day to support patients, communities, and one another. As President of APTUK, I am continually inspired by the dedication, professionalism, and commitment demonstrated by pharmacy technicians across all sectors of practice. Diwali offers an opportunity to celebrate not only cultural traditions and diversity, but also the strength that comes from working together with mutual respect and understanding. Happy Diwali.”
On behalf of APTUK, I wish everyone celebrating a joyful and peaceful Diwali filled with happiness, prosperity, and time spent with loved ones. May the light of Diwali bring hope, inspiration, and success in the year ahead.
Pharmacist Support
Wishing a very happy Diwali to everyone celebrating across our pharmacy family. Diwali is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate light, hope and togetherness – values that feel especially meaningful in a profession built around caring for others. At Pharmacist Support, we’re proud to stand alongside our diverse pharmacy family, championing wellbeing and making sure support is there when it’s needed. May this Diwali bring you and your loved ones happiness, peace and time to connect and celebrate together. Happy Diwali from everyone at Pharmacist Support!
Dr Bharat Shah CBE, Sigma
The Significance of Diwali: A Multi-faceted View:
The festival of Diwali is a unifying event signifying the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It is the start of a new Hindu year. This concept is explored through its varied religious and cultural observances:
For most Hindus: It marks the return of Lord Rama from exile, representing a journey from the "dark jungle to the lighted city."
For Jains: It celebrates the attainment of moksha (liberation) by Lord Mahavir.
For Punjabi Sikhs: It commemorates a celebratory event relates to to the release of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, an event known as Bandi Chhor Divas.
For me Diwali signifies the traditional practice of closing old financial ledgers and a corporate desire for a fresh start. This act symbolises:
Closing the books on past underperformance or "bad deeds."
Starting the new year with a clean slate, seeking blessings for future success, often through a ritual involving the blessing of new accounting books (called Chopda Poojan).
On behalf of everyone at Sigma, our best wishes for the upcoming Diwali festival and New Year filled with significantly more positive ‘vibes ‘than the preceding ones and filled with good health, peace, and prosperity.
Amerjit Singh, Skills4Pharmacy
Diwali reminds us of the enduring power of light, hope and community. As we celebrate, I would like to thank everyone across community pharmacy for their dedication, compassion and invaluable service to patients. May this Festival of Lights bring happiness, good health and prosperity to you, your families and your teams. Wishing all Pharmacy Business readers a joyful, peaceful and very happy Diwali.
Ben Ellis, General Manager UK, Lupin Ltd.
As we celebrate Diwali, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all readers of Pharmacy Business. This festival reminds us of the importance of optimism, resilience and community, values that are reflected every day in the work of pharmacy teams across the UK. Thank you for your continued dedication to improving patient care and supporting the health of your communities. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Diwali filled with happiness, prosperity and success.
Sukhi Basra, Vice Chair, National Pharmacy Association
Across the world, millions of homes will soon light up to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights – a holiday celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains. For Hindus, the celebration is the victory of good over evil, when Lord Rama comes home. Sikhs, like me, will commemorate the release from prison of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, alongside 52 detained princes whose freedom he courageously secured – a reminder to use our own freedom to uplift others. Personally, I will spend the occasion visiting friends and family, and particularly older members, who are held in high esteem in my community. Whatever you are doing during Diwali, and whatever your faith and tradition, I wish you peace and prosperity.
Michelle Riddalls, CEO, PAGB
Diwali provides an opportunity to recognise the immense contribution that South Asian pharmacy professionals make to healthcare across the UK. Their dedication, expertise and commitment to serving local communities have helped shape and strengthen community pharmacy, enabling more people to access trusted healthcare advice and take greater control of their health through self-care. By supporting people to manage everyday health concerns and make informed choices, they play a vital role in improving health outcomes and supporting a more sustainable NHS. I wish everyone celebrating Diwali a happy and peaceful festival filled with light, joy, prosperity and time with family and friends.
Simran Kumar, Training Manager, Beiersdorf
Wishing a joyful and peaceful Diwali to all our pharmacy colleagues, along with your families and teams who are celebrating. As we mark the Festival of Lights, may this special occasion bring happiness, prosperity and renewed optimism for the year ahead. Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and serves as a reminder of the values that unite us all: kindness, compassion, community and togetherness. Thank you for the incredible support, care and dedication you provide every day to patients and the communities you serve. Your commitment continues to make a meaningful difference. Wishing you a wonderful, safe and blessed Diwali.
Vijay Ruparelia, Supra Enterprises
Wishing a very Happy Diwali to all our pharmacy colleagues, customers, partners and their families who are celebrating. Diwali is a special time to reflect on the values of hope, kindness and togetherness, while looking ahead to new opportunities and brighter days. It is also a chance to appreciate the incredible work carried out by pharmacy teams in supporting the health and wellbeing of their communities throughout the year. Wishing you a joyful, peaceful and prosperous Diwali. From the team at Supra Enterprises Ltd.
Baba Akomolafe, Christchurch Pharmacy
Wishing a very Happy Diwali to all pharmacy colleagues, their teams and families who are celebrating. May this Festival of Lights bring you joy, peace, prosperity and renewed hope. I am told Diwali reminds us of the power of light over darkness and the importance of community, kindness and togetherness. Thank you for everything you do for our profession, our patients and our communities. Have a wonderful and blessed Diwali.
David H Reissner, Pharmacy Law & Ethics Association (PLEA)
Wishing You a Season of Light, Growth, and Prosperity
As we celebrate the festival of lights, David Reissner and everyone at the Pharmacy Law & Ethics Association extend warmest Diwali wishes. May the light of Diwali bring joy and success.
Happy Diwali and Shubh Deepavali
Abboud Yasser, Co-Owner of Day Lewis Pharmacy Lower Earley
Wishing everyone celebrating Diwali a very happy and prosperous festival. Community pharmacy is built around people, relationships and the communities we are privileged to serve, and occasions like Diwali are a wonderful reminder of the diversity that makes those communities so special. I hope the celebrations bring happiness, good health and precious time with family and friends.
From the team at Pharmacy Business
As families, friends and communities come together to celebrate Diwali, everyone at Pharmacy Business would like to send our warmest wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous year ahead. Thank you for being part of the Pharmacy Business community.
Happy Diwali.
