TODAY the global Hindu community celebrates Diwali – a festival whereby the Mother of the Universe, Mahalakshmi – symbolic of the enlightening attributes of mankind, the dispenser of all that makes the family of man materially richer, is venerated.
But is this propitiation of the Mother of light and beauty, and dispenser of wealth on merely one auspicious occasion sufficient to earn her blessings?

Symbolic also is the fact that Diwali falls on the darkest night; so Hindus light up their homes to dispel the darkness of evil; but what of the evil within? What dispels all the dark propensities of the human nature from the heart, mind and soul?

There are many persons, including heads of religious organisations, who have caused irreparable harm to their fellow human, including abuse of innocents.

Envy, greed, ambition and jealousy have created devils in human form, who have no compassion for their innocent and vulnerable victims upon whom they visit calamities and tragedy of every description and magnitude, including the taking of lives.

Then they put on their fancy apparel – sometimes bought with blood money, and saunter off, or sometimes drive of in vehicles bought with blood money, to the place of worship of their choice.

Some Hindus who term themselves ‘leaders’ strategise to formulate mechanisms of destruction of the very country they aspire to lead.

Some Hindu businessmen oppress their employees and rob others to garner even more riches, more than they can spend in their lifetimes.

Some envious neighbours spend much time and effort to harm persons who pose no threat to them. And Hindus who commit the most heinous acts compete with others to light up their homes and environs; but what does this prove?

The light should be lit within – that lambent flame of goodness, mercy, and graciousness that the Mother of the Universe personify.

Hindus are encouraged to have clean physical surroundings or else Mahalakshmi would not visit their homes; but what of sick and/or disabled persons who do not have the strength to keep immaculate surroundings, but who have done good works and cared for their fellow human all their lives? Would the Mother’s blessings be withheld from such persons and only be bestowed on the persons who have an army of friends, relatives and servants at their disposal to clean their homes and surroundings?

It is said that God – in whatever form, can see into everyone’s hearts, minds and souls; and if these are tainted by the dark forces of evil, then no amount of lights from the most brilliant lighting apparatus, can dispel that darkness, except a transformation from evil to good, because it is only the light within that will light the Universal Mother’s way into our homes and our lives.

The Board-of-Directors, Management and staff of Guyana National Newspapers Ltd, publishers of the Sunday and Daily Chronicle, wish the nation Shubh Diwali!