What Happy Diwali?!

Years ago, when I was in class 8, my class teacher who was also the school Interact Club coordinator took our school Interact club members to a facility which housed an orphanage and an old age home. The kids were given sweets and crackers like all other kids and some of my schoolmates spent time playing with the kids helping them burst crackers. Some of us, went to the old age home. The old people there had very simple expectations. On that Diwali, all they wanted was someone to read to them, spend time talking to them. That was a life-altering experience for me. I had given up on crackers voluntarily in class 7 opting to take money instead from my parents. But in class 8, it dawned on my not-so-old head that there were people in this world who didn’t have such a happy Diwali at all.

And not so long ago, I actually sniggered at someone who had voiced concern over crackers affecting dogs. I thought of that person as the animal equivalent of a tree-hugger. I mean, not just an animal lover but someone who would get in your way if it meant that that animal could be less affected. I have three dogs inside my house gate right now, sitting in my porch scared to shit by the noise of crackers around my place. Of course they are sitting there since they have figured out ours is the only house on the street which doesn’t burst crackers.

There is no moral high ground here. But it does pain me immensely to see a dog cower helplessly with every single sound from a cracker. It also pains me occasionally to see someone helpless when I am in a state of comfort.

So when you wish someone Happy Diwali today, think of the less fortunate and the creatures around you without a voice. Make a difference to their lives too.

Be grateful for what you have today.

And for all those friends who are not here today, god bless your souls. I miss you and wish you were here