Welcome to the new read for this week’s Monday Truclusions! First of all, let me wish you all a very happy, prosperous, and safe Diwali. Since it is the festival of lights, hopes, and new beginnings, I have chosen to tell you two different stories. I hope you will relate to them and that they will give you some much-needed direction.
A Very Memorable Diwali
As the first of the stories, I am going to tell you how I celebrated Diwali during my childhood. I was 8, and my brother was 13, and it was our third winter in Delhi. It was cold, but we woke up early that morning because it was Diwali and we wanted to start bursting crackers as early as possible.
In fact, I hardly slept that night, because my brother had told me that he would help me celebrate Diwali like never before. I was so excited that sleep deserted me that night. Every year until then, it had been my dad who would carry me in his arms and Naveen (my brother) who would hold my hand, and help me light the crackers.
The next morning, we were ready to celebrate, and I was eager to find out what Naveen had planned. It was a norm in the family to plan surprises for me, and no one in the house would give me any clues! This made the wait even more exciting! Everyone was smiling, but no one told me what about, and once everything was ready I was made to sit on the balcony on a chair.
Then Naveen brought a long stick and asked me to hold it, but I couldn’t, so he helped me hold it under my arms and balance the other end of the stick with my left wrist. He then tied an incense stick to it. He lit it, and asked me to try and light a cracker that was kept nearby with it. It was great fun almost independently lighting the crackers.
Later that evening, it was time to light the flower pots, sparklers, and other fun crackers. For some reason, I found it difficult to light them, perhaps my hands had grown tired from holding the stick.
Then, Naveen thought of another plan, and brought out the remote controlled car that our uncle had brought from the US. He then stuck a rubber piece to it, tied on a sparkler, and set it free. Then, he gave me the remote and asked me to drive the car to the flower pot and light it. This was even better fun! I got to play and light the crackers at the same time.
Changing Lives With Education
Years rolled by and life moved on, but Diwali always remained a special occasion.
During the early years of my career, I was coming home from office the evening before Diwali, and a group of kids came to our cab at a signal. They were asking for money to buy crackers.
My friend, Bharath, took out his wallet to give them some money. At that instant, another boy who was in his teens came rushing over, screaming at the other boys for asking for money to buy crackers. Quite intrigued, my friend asked him why he had done that. He told us that he had worked at a fire cracker factory when he was younger, and because of a fire accident had almost lost his eyes. He had hated fireworks ever since.
The signal went green, and we didn’t learn much more about him, but listening to his story left me moved. That was when Bharath and I decided to sponsor a child’s education. I was happy that I was doing what was in my capacity to help a child study.
Recently, I heard about ‘Vasantham’, a very unique organization run by a family in Chennai. They take care of close to 150 mentally ill children. Many organizations do this, but what makes Vasantham special is the family that cares for the kids actually lives with them.
For me, this is the true spirit of Diwali, where one goes out of his way to make a difference to someone’s life, who isn’t even related to them. The people at Vasantham believe that these kids that they care for are the children of god, and need to be loved accordingly. Just a little food for thought – can’t we also make a difference to someone’s life in a small way and brighten their lives this Diwali?
Spark
It isn’t only the festival of light,
But also time to relieve someone’s plight.
Not only the time to light a lamp,
But also to brighten moods damp.
If we can’t be the sun to kill all dark,
Be the one to rekindle a spark.
Is it loosing something we always fear?
Are we the only one to us dear?
Why do we fear to smile?
If it lets us live an extra while.
All beings are equal and are at par,
It is together that we can go long and far.
Why are we I and you and not us?
Better is the joy when there is no fuss.
Liked reading this? Then you might also like to read Monday Truclusions – The Journey From Birthday To Today.
If there’s any story that needs to be told, we will tell it. Write to us at contact@knowyourstar.com with your story lead, or contact us on Facebook or Twitter.