We are proud to share that KCA joined the historic _*Diwali celebration*_ at the *House of Commons, London, hosted by the Speaker and Parliamentarians!**Highlights from our Cultural Secretary, Ms. Sonal:*
Standing united with diverse communities in the heart of UK democracy.
An enriching session with the *Parliamentary Library Researcher* regarding the functions of the UK Parliament.Thanks to Dr. Gajanan for his continued support.
Please check below report from Ms. Sonal’s full experience and photos with dignitaries.
KCA UK Attends Diwali Celebration Hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons
The Cultural Secretary of KCA UK, Ms Sonal Mendonca, had the honour of attending Mr Speaker’s Diwali Celebration 2025, held at the historic Palace of Westminster, London on November 12, 2025.
Upon her arrival, it was immediately apparent that the Palace was hosting multiple high-profile engagements simultaneously, with three events taking place at the same time. Despite this activity, the Diwali celebration maintained a distinct atmosphere of cultural warmth, elegance, and deep significance.
“The atmosphere was truly special — even with multiple events happening across the Palace, the Diwali celebration felt warm, meaningful, and beautifully unifying,” said Ms Mendonca.
The grand interiors of the Palace created an ambience that beautifully complemented the spirit of Diwali — the celebration of light, unity, and renewal. The event brought together a diverse gathering of dignitaries, community leaders, and representatives from various sectors, reflecting the broad appeal and inclusive nature of the occasion.
Among the distinguished attendees were the High Commissioners of Nepal and Uganda, whose presence highlighted the international scope and diplomatic importance of the celebration. Engaging with such individuals offered valuable insights into the relationships shared across communities and nations.
A particularly noteworthy moment for Ms Mendonca was the opportunity to meet the Head of the State Bank of India (SBI). Given SBI’s prominence and global influence, it was a rare and remarkable experience to interact with one of the institution’s most senior leaders.
The highlight of the evening was her opportunity to exchange warm words with Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Chorley. Ms Mendonca also had the honour of taking a photograph with him, creating a memorable personal moment from the occasion.
The event was organised and hosted under the leadership of Mr Navendu Mishra, Member of Parliament for Stockport, who demonstrated professionalism and approachability throughout the evening. Ms Mendonca had the opportunity to speak with him briefly and capture a photograph with him as well.
Reflection on Educational Exposure and Career Awareness:
- During the event, Ms Mendonca had the opportunity to speak with a Parliamentary Library Researcher, a role she had not previously encountered in detail. Learning about this profession was both insightful and thought-provoking.
- The researcher explained that Members of Parliament regularly approach her team to request detailed information, evidence, and analysis to support debates, policy discussions, and legislative preparation. This vital behind-the-scenes function plays an essential role in ensuring informed decision-making within Parliament.
- This conversation highlighted for Ms Mendonca an important gap in how young people is introduced to potential career paths. Many significant professions — such as researchers, analysts, policy advisors, parliamentary clerks, archive specialists, and communications officers — remain largely invisible to children and teenagers. As a result, their understanding of future opportunities can become limited to only the most visible or traditional roles.
- She reflected that current educational approaches could benefit greatly from presenting a broader and more structured view of the career landscape. One practical idea she proposed was the development of a “career tree”, mapping out a wide range of professions, what each role involves, and the academic or vocational pathways required to pursue them.
- Such a resource would encourage curiosity, expose young people to lesser-known but highly impactful careers, and empower them to make informed and aspirational choices about their futures.
- This encounter served as a powerful reminder that exposure is often the first step towards aspiration, and awareness is the foundation of opportunity.
Overall, the attendance of Cultural Secretary Sonal Mendonca at Mr Speaker’s Diwali Celebration was both enriching and memorable. It provided a valuable glimpse into parliamentary hospitality, cultural celebration, and diplomatic engagement. Her sincere appreciation goes out to all who made it possible for her to represent KCA UK at this prestigious event. It was truly an experience to remember and certainly one for the books.
