Many of us would have heard from our parents and grandparents that Diwali festivities during the Post-Independence era (1947 and thereon) were marked with added pleasure and relief, for the people felt really free in their own home.
“There was a reason for such happiness. You may have been allowed a choice but how can anyone celebrate in shackles? We had, during the years immediately preceding Independence, thousands of people in prisons, only because they wanted freedom for the people of a great Nation. With freedom came the liberty to choose who will govern the country and how they would govern. Diwali also marked freedom from a dark era. There is therefore meaning in this annual event,” elders often say.
Meaningful Freedom
Freedom is a word that has begun to echo across the world, in countries which have hitherto not been used to democracy or a democratically elected government. As new forms of public governance come into force, they would reinstate one fact: that freedom, equality before the law and the ability to choose leaders is the inherent birth right of people.
People from India have always promoted individual freedom as an integral part of their lives. In that sense, they appreciate the ‘liberation of mankind’ from the clutches of ‘Narakasura,’ a Demon who was considered to be the embodiment of evil and darkness. It was this liberation that set the stage for rule of the people and the rule of the law.
New Zealand Shines
New Zealand is a perfect example for supremacy of human rights, for, this is a country which places every resident, irrespective of his or her status, below the scope of the law. This is also a country which boasts of least graft and high accountability.
Multiculturalism is truly practiced here, with Auckland cited as the foremost city with people tracing their roots to at least 175 countries. It is the spirit of oneness, unity in diversity and a penchant for live and let-live that makes Auckland the most liveable City in the world.
The fact that New Zealand has sincerely embraced people of all faiths, colours and creeds is demonstrated by festivals that are popular elsewhere in the world. Thus we celebrate Diwali with as much fervour as we do Christmas, St Patrick’s Day, Guru Nanak Jayanti and Eid Al Fitr. There is a certain sense of belonging that makes us New Zealander distinct from our fellow human beings across the Continents.
Festival of Lights
Diwali has become a major event in the social calendar of New Zealand, and short of being held as a public holiday, the Festival of Lights enlightens the hearts and minds of people. It is now quite common for large companies including banks, City Councils and others to mark for their Staff and customers, often as two distinct events. It is also not uncommon to see people of other ethnicities donning Indian costumes, such as the Sherwani, Kurta, Salwar and Khameez, the traditional bindi on the forehead and other accessories. They also observe the strict code of Diwali – no alcohol or meat.\
Celebrations begin
This year’s celebrations began on Saturday, October 17, 2015 with Prime Minister John Key, Opposition Leader Andrew Little and Auckland Mayor Len Brown joining thousands of people at the Aotea Square in Auckland’s Central Business District to mark Diwali. This was an event that showcased our growing interdependence on each other’s abilities, cultures, languages, customs and of course cuisine. As performers from India and New Zealand gave vent to their talent, India’s traditional, cultural and social values came alive in colours and flavours. More of these appear elsewhere in this Special Report.
Indian Newslink takes pride in presenting this Diwali 2015, which in a sense marks another phase of development in its 16-year-old history. As a family of people drawn from various religious and social dispositions, we stand together in promoting the best interests of our people, our communities, our society and our country.
It is in that spirit that we greet and thank our advertisers, sponsors, contributors, well-wishers and the people of the world for their patronage, understanding, goodwill, support and guidance not only this year but also throughout our existence. That we have been able to put together this Special Report against a number of issues at hand is in itself a testimony to your resolve to make this newspaper truly your own publication.
The Festival itself is about eleven days away (to be celebrated on November11) but the festive mood has begun. May this Festival of Lights bring joy and prosperity to all.
The Indian Newslink Team
