Divali can help to build strong society

THE EDITOR: India is a land and a people intoxicated with God. Out of India has come one of the most joyous beautiful and colourful festivals ever — the Festival of Divali which is celebrated not only in India but wherever there are Hindu communities. On this occasion, among other things, one pays homage to and invokes the blessings of the Goddess Mother Lakshmi for peace, wealth, power and beauty. Divali symbolises victory. The victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and life over death. These principles are of particular significance in the worried, confused and troubled world of today, where there is growing emphasis on and concern for material things and a neglect of spiritual values. This Festival of Lights is a time of discipline, fasting, prayer, cleanliness of the home and compound, and cleansing of the mind of greed, pride, envy, hate, fear, anxiety and dishonesty among others.

For quite some time now undesirable practices associate themselves with our religious occasions, developments which tend to devalue and divert the true meaning and the real significance of the celebrations. These include the indulgence in the use of alcoholic beverages, obscene language and undesirable behaviour whether for Divali, Christmas, Phagwa, or Easter or what have you. The true significance and meaning of these occasions ought to be made known, emphasised, learnt and appreciated, and a proper respect for them shown. The principles of Divali are so indescribably true to nature, so profound, so practical and applicable to daily living, that it should not be the monopoly of Hindus but could apply to all God’s children, everywhere. I don’t think anyone can give the message of Divali better than Jesus Christ when he said, “Let your Light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

To make Divali meaningful devotees and others interested must rededicate their lives, and make solemn vows to illumine, light up their hearts with the Divine Light through which alone they can dwell in peace, harmony, love and understanding both among themselves and their fellowmen.
Divali is a unique vessel for the promotion of better cultural and human understanding among the diverse multi-ethnic, cosmopolitan nature of the inhabitants of Trinidad and Tobago. There exists the strong feeling and possibility that Divali can assist in a great measure in the building of a strong, healthy multi-cultural society based upon respect, understanding, tolerance, patience and commitment on the part of all. “In this world is darkness.” Jesus bids us shine with a pure clear Light.”

JAMES RAMNATH
Sangre Grande