THOUGHTS ON DUSSHERA

Each year, the Festival of Dusshera reminds us of the inevitability of Good banishing Evil: in all parts of the nation, the euphoria of Lord Rama's victory over his ten-headed adversary is revisited by setting afire gigantic Ravana-scarecrows stuffed with multicolored firecrackers that light-up the night sky.

I believe that there is a Ravana inside all of us, lurking beneath the surface and constantly fighting to get out: sometimes, on the pretext of religion, caste, self-importance, personal strife and even naked ambition, it propels us to unleash unimaginable monstrosities upon our fellow human beings.

Drawing inspiration from the eternal significance of this sacred day, I remind myself of the instances I might have allowed Evil, in all its several manifestations, to overcome me; and resolve firmly to banish it from my life, once and for all.

I wish you a Very Happy Dusshera.

Regards,

AJ