As we celebrate this festival of lights, let us resolve to carry its true message forward—to see, feel, and respond to those less fortunate with compassion, so that the light we spread reaches beyond our homes into the lives of others, says SHASHI DIP
As Diwali draws near, homes across the country come alive with activity. People sweep away the dust of the year, clean every corner, and replace the old with the new.
Yet, in the midst of this vigorous cleaning, many of us stumble upon perfectly good items—clothes, utensils, décor pieces, and household essentials—that have been sitting unused and forgotten. Often, after a brief glance, these items return to their hidden corners, victims of our neglect and indifference.
A few years ago, as I was engaged in this very ritual, a simple but powerful thought struck me: why not redirect these new or gently used items to those who truly need them? Why not transform this season of abundance into one of meaningful sharing?
Acting on this thought, I decided to gather items from families willing to participate and gift them to some of the most deserving people around us—our cleaning staff, security guards, and domestic workers—whose tireless efforts often go unnoticed, and for whom Diwali may not bring the same opportunities for festivity and new beginnings.
To my delight, my friends and colleagues immediately embraced the idea. They contributed generously, not just with material gifts, but with genuine goodwill and empathy. This year, as we repeated the initiative, even more people joined in. We were able to reach out to many individuals who work quietly behind the scenes to make our lives easier and more comfortable.
The joy on their faces when they received these gifts was priceless. Their smiles spoke of gratitude, not merely for the items themselves, but for the thought, care, and respect that accompanied them. In those moments, it became clear that what mattered most was not the material value of the gift, but the human warmth behind it. We were not just giving things—we were giving time, attention, and acknowledgment.
Another experience during this season reaffirmed my faith in the power of compassion. A domestic worker I know had recently been deceived by her brother, leaving her homeless and financially helpless. Though her honesty and hard work were unquestionable, she lacked the means to rebuild her life. I wanted to help but did not have the funds she urgently needed. So I began a small donation campaign. The contributions that came in were heartening, yet still fell short of the amount required to secure her a modest place to live.
Determined not to give up, I reached out to a few acquaintances, hoping to find someone willing to help. Eventually, with what I can only call divine grace, a kind and compassionate person stepped forward to provide the remaining sum—interest-free and with no expectations. When I handed the money to her, she broke down in tears, overwhelmed by relief and gratitude. That moment of shared humanity was far more luminous than any lamp or firecracker could ever be.
In today’s world, where material exchanges have become routine, genuine acts of empathy and concern remain the most precious gifts we can offer. Diwali is not only about lighting lamps and decorating homes; it is about illuminating hearts.
As we celebrate this festival of lights, let us resolve to carry its true message forward—to see, feel, and respond with compassion. Let us cultivate humility and kindness in our hearts, so that the light we spread reaches beyond our homes into the lives of others.
In doing so, we reaffirm faith in humanity itself—and remind the world that sincere concern and timely help are, indeed, the best Diwali gifts of all.
Shashi Dip is a thinker, bilingual writer, poet, columnist, social activist, and author of two notable books, Waves Within (Horizon and Beyond) and Sahitya Shikha (Sahityakaron Ki Kavyanjali). She plays a leading role in various literary and journalists associations and has an extensive portfolio, featuring over 600 blogs, 2000 quotes in Hindi/Urdu and English, and 200 poems in both Hindi and English.
A beautiful message on the season of abundance which we can turn into one of meaningful sharing!
True to the spirit of the write up, one’s abundance does not consist of the affluence of his wealth or belongings but it consists of the abundance of his mentality to share it with the needy.
As an adage of our traditional wisdom says it, one’s possession becomes sacred only when a fraction of it is shared with the needy. Needless to say, we must take this lesson from a burning candle which shares its light far beyond its circumference by virtue of its dharma and so we must be.
May we get ignited with this very spirit as shared by Shashi and celebrate the festivity of Diwali by sharing things as well as feelings with love and compassion, स्नेह और करुणा, so that we, together with the world, shine a shade better by meeting together this need.
Happy Diwali 😃