Today the nation is celebrating Deepawali. Festivals are special in our lives in the sense that they are the manifestation of our exuberance emanating from the bounties of good harvest, enhanced prosperity and satisfaction. They add colours to our emotion and culture; an occasion to pay our respect and gratitude to Mother Nature - compassionate and benevolent - who protects us from the curse of hunger, poverty and helplessness. Deepawali festival embodies basic philosophy of 'Live and Let live' and buttresses our faith in peaceful coexistence, equality and fraternity.
"Asato ma sadgamaya
Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya
Mrtyorma amrtam gamaya..."
May we proceed to truth from mendacity, to light from gloom and from death to eternity. This is the guiding force which motivates to lead a balanced life - a life with knowledge and humbleness with a power to slay the evil forces. It motivates to think big and noble for collective welfare; fills a sense of pride for being the custodian of rich culture, knowledge and philosophy.
The eternity mooted by our revered primogenitors is not materialistic. It is a cosmic unison with Ultimate - the omnipotent and omnipresent. It is not superficial but an amalgamation which relieves the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth. It leads to a linear form of life which is otherwise a cyclical one. The invisible force which leads us to light is "Bramh", as envisaged by our sages.
The humans are consubstantial to "Bramh", but with a certain measure of dark shade. Mendacity, treachery, arrogance and egocentric attitudes are the negative shades which differentiate a common human being with that of Absolute. A human being is a bundle of dark and light shades. A balanced blend is near Absolute whereas a lopsided attitude is unhealthy for the proper growth and development of a human being and in turn a good society. The basis of an enlightened and balanced life is the movement towards the light. Deepawali reminds us all about it.
Thousands of earthen 'Diya' with the twinkling lights successfully try to conquer the darkness of the new moon night. It signifies the conquest of wisdom over ignorance and falsehood; an occasion to celebrate the victory of truth, justice and intrepidity. This is an opportune time to thank Almighty for his blessings.
Our Bravehearts are guarding the frontiers of our nation with zeal. We express our solidarity with them who are braving all odds and saving motherland. Their helping hands always save us from distress and dearth. Let us lit a 'Diya' in memory of those who hecatomb their lives in the service of motherland and are no more with us. On this pious occasion, remembering them with brimmed eyes I salute them and wish that they may be at peace with and in unison to the Supreme Soul.
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