Arsene Wenger expresses admiration for 'Indian culture' ahead of Diwali

Arsene Wenger is named Premier League’s manager of the month for October.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed his admiration for India’s ‘special culture’ ahead of this year’s Diwali celebrations in an interview with the club’s official website. Wenger recently claimed the award for Premier League’s manager of the month and his team is enjoying a good run of form at the top of the league table.

For those you who are not familiar with the festival, Diwali, which is also known as ‘festival of lights’, is an ancient Hindu and Sikh festival celebrated every year. It is one of the largest and brightest festivals in India and the five-day celebration honours knowledge, good nature and light.

Ahead of the Diwali celebrations, the French coach has taken time out to express his love for the ‘special Indian culture’ and he admitted he has always had a big respect for India’s values.

"I am an admirer of Indian culture because, historically, through [Mahatma] Gandhi, when you are a young boy you learn about [his non-violence principles] and it has a special meaning to you," Wenger spoke to Arsenal TV.

"When you are a very young boy you think you have to fight violence with violence and you never forget about a guy who gives you that [peaceful] example."

"It makes you curious about Indian culture as well because they have their special culture with the different strands in society. It's a very interesting one."

Indians are very hard-working people: Wenger

Due to historical reasons there has been a huge presence of ethnic Indian population in the United Kingdom over the years and Indian immigrants have settled down in the country to seek job opportunities and new ventures. There is a very big Indian community in England and they are often seen as hard-working people by many.

The former AS Monaco manager respects the Indians for their 'hard-working nature' and believes they are doing well in the society.

"On the other hand, when you look here, there is a very big Indian community in England and they are all hard-working people," he added.

"All of them are doing very well in society, so you always respect that when you know that."

"Hard work is an essential quality in every society. That provokes a big respect."

Meanwhile, Wenger and his men are enjoying a good spell in the Premier League and they look to be serious contenders for the League title this season. The Gunners are joint-top with rivals Manchester City in the league table with 26 points each and only goal difference separates the two sides.