In a world that is increasingly being enveloped by darkness of moral, social and political degradation,
Diwali Lights, flickering amidst prevailing darkness, issue a profound message. It is not inhibited by the size of the darkness but is resolute in its endeavour to fend off darkness, gallantly shedding light to illuminate the world against ignorance, hatred, malice and violence.
The message is often lost in the celebrations and therefore, its resurgence every year is a constant reminder to its adherents to shed darkness and to illuminate their lives.
For millions of Hindus across the globe, Diwali is eagerly awaited and widely celebrated.
The lure of the lights and bursting of firecrackers is magnetic that draws other cultures in its fold. The walls of race, color, caste, creed and religion crumble as the heart of humanity mellows with aura and love that exudes from an ancient festival.
The joy it ignites in the hearts of those who celebrate is nostalgic and euphoric.
It therefore is infectious to people joining their Hindu neighbours and friends sharing the joys and partaking of some of the most delicious sweets and vegetarian food imaginable.
Many of the recipients of this bountiful Hindu hospitality no doubt wish that it is celebrated more than once a year!
Righteous Avatar
In the Hindu epic Ramayana, the celebration of Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama from his 14-year exile to be the King of the kingdom of Ajodhya.
His return is heralded as victory over evil as Lord Rama returns after defeating the demon king Ravana who was persecuting God-loving and God-fearing people. It was a significant victory for righteousness against wickedness. Hinduism claims that whenever there is increase in wickedness and God’s children are violated and oppressed, God manifests in human form and descends to restore his power, authority and rule on earth. Return of Lord Rama established Ram Raj where evil and wickedness ceased to exist.
Diwali reminds all of the power and authority of the Creator in restoring the World that is suffocating in vice. The iridescent candlelights beckon Almighty God to save humanity from its calamitous descent into the abyss of wickedness and impiety. In the euphoric hullabaloo, many seem to forget the plight of those who suffer from oppression or neglect. It includes neglected or abandoned parents.
A moving story
I cannot forget the plight of an abandoned mother whose story was carried in this newspaper in December 2001.
She may not be alive but her yearning for her children, as disclosed in the article, continues to hurt me.
Ram Rati, aged 87 years then, who lived in Old People’s Home in Suva, recounted her grief to Indian Newslink. She had five children and her husband passed away when they were relatively young. She bore the responsibility for their welfare with courage and hard work, ensuring their food, shelter and education.
Every Diwali, she cooked variety of food and sweets for their enjoyment.
In the evenings, she held family prayers, lit Diwali lamps and shared the happiness of the occasion with them and the neighbours. She said the children grew up and set up their own families after marriage. Some migrated and left her in the care of the Old People’s Home.
For years, none had returned to see her. She disclosed that some of her children lived in New Zealand and implored Indian Newslink to locate them and give them message that she did not want anything from them except to see them.
The Hindu faith
I know many parents going through such traumatic separation from children. No one should be subjected to such treatment. Indeed, Hinduism is studded with many religious and cultural celebrations that underpin goodness in its adherents that ensures love, respect, tolerance, forgiveness and kindness.
The virtues of humanity are enunciated through the rituals and prayers offered on such occasions. Diwali is one such festival where celebrations mark victory over evil and yet many families continue to be victims of evil, perpetrated by those who have a duty of protection of those who rely on them.
Individuals, families, communities and the society at large must endeavor to respect and observe the values of ancient customs and traditions, which remain not only as a link to the past but also as vehicles that carried and continue to carry the burden of humanity on the divine path. They are the essential generational links that need to be treasured, protected and promoted so that every culture remains vibrant, robust and relevant.
Let Diwali 2010 ignite from within so that the inner glow may shed enduring light that transforms individuals, families, communities and humanity at large.
Let it be a day of reflection, realisation, redirection and resolution that helps people being transformed.
Where there is darkness let there be light; where there is despair let there be hope; where there is ignorance let there be knowledge and where there is hatred let there be love.
Rajendra Prasad is our Auckland based Columnist.
