THE mosaic of Guyanese spectators representing all the peoples of this land that turned out in thousands to view the Diwali motorcade, most with their families, with no rowdyism to mar the event, is testimony to national acceptance of our plurality, because the annual Diwali motorcade has truly become a Guyanese affair. And this celebrates, in a very real way, the sublime message of the ‘Festival of Lights’, which seeks to eradicate all dark forces from the soul of humanity and bring enlightenment to irradiate the universe with peace, love and united effort to enhance the lives and the quality of lives of all mankind, because that great mother of the world shines her light on everyone and in every home, with no favour or prejudice.
There are many who lament their lot in life, without counting the positive things and honestly attempting to enhance those, instead of coveting and begrudging the fruits of another’s labour; and if those fruits have been honestly achieved or dishonestly wrested, the actions do not go unnoticed by the supreme powers and sometimes the ones who seem to have everything oftentimes are hiding ailments and troubles that deprive them of enjoying material things. 
A millionaire with cancer of the stomach cannot enjoy a meal, and a parent who can afford to provide every wherewithal for a child often discovers that his favoured child has become wayward, not adhering to social norms nor the laws of the land, often with repercussions on the parent.
The ways of the Lord are mysterious but wondrous.  We can only live our lives so that we can shed light instead of darkness in the lives of others, because every religion abhors those who diminish the spirit – the light within, of others, and the consequences may prove dreadful, even if not immediately evidenced.
At the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s cultural programme at the LBI Community Centre Ground last Thursday night, President Bharrat Jagdeo said it is very depressing to note the numbers of women and children being subjected to constant brutality in the society, saying that society has failed those victims.
He encouraged everyone, including the religious leaders, to fulfill the role they are duty-bound to play in ending abuse in every form, because these abuses are alien to Hinduism and the enlightenment that this festival speaks so eloquently about. 
He urged the menfolk of Guyana to ensure that they discontinue such practices that destroy families and take a vocal and visible stand against these evil acts in society and not just be mere silent spectators to injustices and abuse meted out to innocent and vulnerable persons, especially the women and children.
Saying that although we should be proud of our beautiful traditional attire and our culture, this should not be enough and that there is a responsibility on the part of everyone to contribute to changes that would evolve into a better society where everyone is respected and protected.
This message by President Jagdeo underpins the spirit of Hinduism and the ethos of Deepavali. It is the divine message of every scriptural text, and anyone who subverts this divine stricture goes counter to the precepts of religion and the teachings of the Divine Being that protect and guide the family of humanity.  Deepavali celebrates the light within. It is a light extant in every human soul, to fan a flame or to extinguish through our individual choice.