THE anomaly of Diwali celebrations is that, from weeks prior, homes and environments are cleaned and much expense generated in the purchase of ingredients for sweetmeats; yet oftentimes the sweetmeats are shared only to those who themselves are making their own lavish fare, which they share with each other, and many times there are leftovers that go into the bin, with no thought of the poor and/or homeless people, or children whose parents cannot afford the delicacies that are shared lavishly among the well-to-do.
And the marathon cleaning up of homes while wishing ill for, or doing harm to others, is an exercise in hypocrisy.

Guyana recently emerged from an abyss of darkness and today the light of hope for peace, progress and prosperity is shining all across Guyana.

Pandit Rabindranauth Persaud (Pandit Ravi) expounded on the philosophies underpinning the celebration of Deepavali – the Festival of Lights thus:- “Hindus, other well-wishers and celebrants will observe Deepavali, the occasion of the festival of lights. The celebration includes fasting, prayers, sharing and, most of all, kindling of thousands of lights in all forms. Deepavali expresses one’s deep inner quest for peace and stability. The illuminating lights exhibhited on the occasion is symbolic of the gratitude extended to mankind by Maha Lakshmi Maa. Maha Lakshmi is considered the supreme giver of wisdom and higher intelligence. These opulences are the driving forces, in every regard, to enhance opportunities and create possibilities Nothing positive is born out of ignorance.

“Inertia, dull-wittedness, selfishness and other vices are reflections of darkness. The search for inner light is represented by expressions of divinity. The demonstration of thousands of lights on the eve of Diwali subscribes to the sanitation and beautification of our environment. Man is a product of his environment; as such, Hindus believe that Maha Lakshmi visits and establishes herself in the home and environment which is spotlessly clean. To disassociate ourselves from the tradition of Shree Raama’s return to Ayodhya is a blatant violation of our traditions. Bhagwaan Raama is considered (Maryaada Purshottama), the perfect man who, at the end of his physical journey, attained the status of (Jewan Mukta), a liberated soul. History has attested to the fact that three kings, who were burdened or blessed with the greatest challenges of life, were Raaja Harischandra, Shree Raam and Raaja Yudhisthir. All of them confronted and overcame challenges by evil forces and became liberated souls.

“It is important to recognise the return of a Lord Raama to Ayodhya as the high-point of his existence. Hindus recognise freedom and liberation as the greatest achievements of their existence. To disregard the true gift and purpose of human life is the most sinful act perpetrated by any human being. Humankind is blessed with the greatest opportunity; i.e, to achieve final liberation. Deepavali allows us to maximize on our introvert intellect and to pursue diligently the higher purpose of our existence. The occasion allows us to repurpose our lives and to subscribe meaningfully to an environment which is conducive to well-being of all. Depavali is surrounded by other festivals which are also important but the central figure of all affairs is Maha Laxhmi Maata, the giver of light, vision, higher intelligence, wisdom and prosperity. May all be inspired by the true meaning of the festival and may all be recipients of the infinite grace and blessings of the divine Mother. May we enjoy the true meaning of (Raam Raajya) democratic leadership. Shub Deepavali.”

Democratic leadership was restored to Guyana on August 2020, and, as we celebrate the Festival of Lights, let us try to bring light into the lives of the less fortunate and replace our negative emotions with peace and love for all.

The Board of Directors, Management and staff of GNNL and the Daily and Sunday newspapers extend Diwali greetings to the nation.