Diwali. The word in itself conjures up a phase of unhindered celebration. All the mirth and jamboree amidst this glowing festival of lights! A time when people criss cross all caste and religious borders and come together to mingle in such an euphoric fete. Money does play an important role and hence people seek the blessings of goddess Lakshmi. The lure of money takes precedence in most minds. Come to think of it. On such a festive occasion, getting a bonus is the norm at most workplaces. (For me a 'bonus' boils down to 'an extra amount' of pocket money). Accumulation of wealth does lead one to go on a spending spree. Nowadays, considering the level & amount of disposable incomes, buying on instinct is what matters rather than just the need to buy. Quite true. But before buying that pair of jeans or just another pair of shoes the next time you go shopping, stop for a while and ponder. Do you really require it? Would you really be happy or is it just a means to satiate your urge to splurge? Think about it.
Have you ever pictured a poor kid's diwali? I bet Diwali is just another day or maybe a string of syllables echoing in his ears, making him yearn more and more to submerge in the festive spirit. On a day when most people put on gaudy clothes and dine at upscale restaurants, the imminent feeling of being an outcast dawns on him, albeit unknowingly. Such a gaping divide between the haves and the have-nots leaves me with a mawkish sense of disbelief. They dwell in slums and the pavements, forced to work and eking out a living to make ends meet somehow. In such a desolate state of mind, burdened with things they ought not to be thinking of & bereft of education, they wander about with the dreamy look in their eyes. Simple and innocent desires akin to a child belonging to the higher strata of society, go unnoticed and get wiped off their mind eventually. "Those eyes" reveal all. Nothing to conceal.
The truth is...making a mis fortunate child's dream come true would give us more joy than buying a mere pair of clothing. Such a profligate attitude needs to be cast aside. Maybe to some extent. This Diwali, let us part with some amount of our material wealth and donate for a cause. Instead of splurging on a plethora of crackers (yes, its tough but we can at least try!), we can utilize it to benefit the needy children.
It isn't much of an effort. It's the willingness to make a difference in the lives of the poor little ones that counts.
Remember: A generous act of yours will bring a smile on the face of the poor kid living in that alley. A smile which outweighs all the wealth in this world put together. A smile so captivating, so pure.
[With inputs from ShAkE Inc.]
Have you ever pictured a poor kid's diwali? I bet Diwali is just another day or maybe a string of syllables echoing in his ears, making him yearn more and more to submerge in the festive spirit. On a day when most people put on gaudy clothes and dine at upscale restaurants, the imminent feeling of being an outcast dawns on him, albeit unknowingly. Such a gaping divide between the haves and the have-nots leaves me with a mawkish sense of disbelief. They dwell in slums and the pavements, forced to work and eking out a living to make ends meet somehow. In such a desolate state of mind, burdened with things they ought not to be thinking of & bereft of education, they wander about with the dreamy look in their eyes. Simple and innocent desires akin to a child belonging to the higher strata of society, go unnoticed and get wiped off their mind eventually. "Those eyes" reveal all. Nothing to conceal.
The truth is...making a mis fortunate child's dream come true would give us more joy than buying a mere pair of clothing. Such a profligate attitude needs to be cast aside. Maybe to some extent. This Diwali, let us part with some amount of our material wealth and donate for a cause. Instead of splurging on a plethora of crackers (yes, its tough but we can at least try!), we can utilize it to benefit the needy children.
It isn't much of an effort. It's the willingness to make a difference in the lives of the poor little ones that counts.
Remember: A generous act of yours will bring a smile on the face of the poor kid living in that alley. A smile which outweighs all the wealth in this world put together. A smile so captivating, so pure.
[With inputs from ShAkE Inc.]
2 comments:
Lovely thought...something I wholeheartedly agree with...so simple to implement in our lives yet so uncommon...I will try and Make A Change this Diwali...hope others take your cue too...great post!
i few might have been doing this...a few may do dis from now on...a few will expand the thot to other festival days...a few may do such a thing every month...
a few will make a BIG difference...and dats all we need...an initiative by the few...
no wonders, i will try my best to be one of the few...
simply an outstandin thot!!!
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