Happy Evolution.

Do I start with the customary “Happy Diwali and Happy New Year,” as expected?
The countless messages compel me to return the wishes — but I’m sorry, they won’t be heartfelt.

The first step towards my evolution is this: I will no longer say or do things merely for the sake of convention.
Even though I returned a few greetings, I must admit — I felt like a hypocrite.

We celebrate Diwali every year to mark the victory of Shri Ram over Ravana — the triumph of good over evil. Ayodhya was lit up to welcome him home.
But today, what are we truly celebrating? The victory of good over evil — or simply the memory of when it once happened during the days of Ram Rajya?

To overcome evil, we must first learn to recognise it.
And yet, the distinction between good and evil has blurred — lost to our confused and distracted souls.

We have long crossed the thin line that separates them.
Aren’t we the same people who mistake ego for self-respect,
rituals for religion, selfishness for self-love,
arrogance for confidence, and pity for compassion?

Aren’t we the same people who plunder and divide the world
in the name of caste, creed, and religion —
defending our own while condemning others?
The same people who throw garbage on the streets while keeping our homes spotless?

We forget — we are not as small as we think we are.
We are one with all of humankind.
Our homes are not confined to four walls; the entire world is our shared dwelling.

Why then do we abuse nature?
Why the violence of firecrackers, the pollution, the noise?
Why do we hurt the birds and animals around us?
Who gave us the authority to disturb the balance of creation?

Do we have answers to these questions?
Perhaps, the day we do — and begin to act upon them —
Our Diwali wishes will truly come from the heart.

Until then,
It’s not just Happy Diwali —
but Best Wishes for a Happy Evolution.

God bless all.

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