Serve the needy selflessly

ENLIGHTENMENT

Om Asato Ma Sat Gamaya Tamaso Ma Jyothis Gamaya – O Lord lead us from untruth to truth, from darkness to light. | Brahadaranyaka Upanishad,1:3:27

This is the universal message of Diwali and is associated with eternal struggle for justice and righteousness. Darkness represents ignorance, arrogance and all that is evil.

As succinctly expressed by The Hindu newspaper: “The Festival of Lights has all the charm, grandeur and splendour that can even illuminate our minds and hearts while also promoting the much-needed peace, harmony and brotherhood in society.”

As global icon for peace and justice, Nelson Mandela said, lighting the sacred Diwali lamp symbolised the triumph of: “Enlightenment over blind faith, prosperity over poverty, knowledge of ignorance, good health and well-being over disease and ill health, freedom over bondage.”

The message of Diwali has greater contemporary relevance as the world grapples to recover from the ravages of Covid-19.

In South Africa, this has been compounded by the looting and riots of July 2021 and the April/ May floods in KwaZulu this year.

Furthermore, crime, violence and corruption threaten to erode hard-won democratic gains for which so many paid the ultimate price, and the poor and the disadvantaged will be the ultimate losers.

Against the doom and gloom, the festival of Diwali provides a catalyst for a spiritual revival and renewal of self-help, sacrifice, sharing, caring and community upliftment at personal, family and community levels.

This is the essence of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam (the whole world is our family), the Hindu equivalent of ubuntu.

As we celebrate the triumph of radiance and righteousness over darkness and evil, it is appropriate to reflect on how we can illuminate the lives of those around us who are less fortunate, regardless of race or religion.

Spare a thought for those who are disadvantaged, destitute, unemployed, marginalised and socially excluded.

The Maha Sabha’s Initiative 108, Serving Humanity with compassion and respect, provides one such opportunity to serve the needy selflessly.

On behalf of all of us at the SA Hindu Maha Sabha, we wish all a Happy Diwali and New Year filled with joy and success.

Trikamjee is the president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha.

ASHWIN TRIKAMJEE