Wish you all a Happy Diwali. Diwali is associated with light and
everything related to brightness. The Sanskrit name “Bharat” itself joins the
two roots “Bha” meaning light, a metaphor for knowledge and “rata” meaning to
find happiness or bliss. We were a race that found bliss in knowledge! This great
country of ours has always been a guiding light to the world and an incessant source
of knowledge.
Indian mythology is replete with stories and aphorisms that exude
the brighter side of life and influence people to tread the path of happiness.
Whether it is the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after winning over Ravan or the
Victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura are all stories that are personified
examples of the victory of the Good over Evil.
Everything is of the Mind! Good and bad
emanate from the mind. A bright mind sees everything bright and brightening of minds
is the essence of all festivals. In some parts of the country, Diwali is an occasion
to worship the goddess of wealth and prosperity. In the Indian ethos, wealth or
“Artha” as it is referred to, comes only second to “Dharma” meaning “what it is
ought to be” A simple example is of a pen however good it may be, will fail in
its Dharma if it scratches the surface while writing ! Though the Dharma of a
person cannot be simplified like a pen, let us strive to acquire wealth
following the path of Dharma or righteousness.
Diwali is also associated with cleaning. Homes, workplaces and
neighbourhood are all lit up. Midst all these, let’s also pause a bit and de-clutter
our minds of all ill feelings, worries, anxieties and lethargy. Along with our surroundings,
let’s brighten our mind with positivity, empathy, enthusiasm and noble thoughts.
This Diwali, may you always shine brighter
day by day, be a guiding lamp for your family and friends, brighten your
neighbourhood, enrich this country and always illuminate the world!
