Happy Diwali and New Year!!!

Happy Diwali and New Year!!!

          This Diwali my dad had Chicken Guenya, he cannot move his hands and legs, this strikes me my age. There was a time when I learned to walk by holding his hand and today he need my hand to walk.

           I decided to celebrate this Diwali in a different manner; I spend a day with kids of my neighborhood.  Their parents have offered them mobile phones to pass time, I asked them about cartoon characters like Peanut, Tintin and Heidi, I helped them to find the short cartoon stories with pictures. I am pleased that they find it interesting. 

Another day I spend in an old age home where I interviewed senior citizens about the Diwali celebration of their time. Everybody shared their memories with high pulse. I am thrilled to know so many things about bygone era. We all forgot how the day got over. They insisted me for a dinner with them. I got charged with their love and affection. I have promised them to meet once in every month.

             Thursday I went to town library and spend a complete day on reading special Diwali issues. It is not that I am a voracious reader but sitting in a library and observing people silently, engaging in conversation and laughing lungs out on their old rustic sayings is a different fun.

             Yesterday I went to my wife’s place, I found it boring as no one to speak on my subjects, and I just got my shoes and started walking. The Lanterns, Diyas and illuminated houses reflected the story of changing times.  Conventional lanterns are replaced with cheap Chinese lanterns. Tungsten bulbs are replaced with white LED. I missed the warmth of yellow tungsten lights as they use to offer the nostalgic punch. I found the answer to my unspoken question. I realized how I condition my mind.

              This Diwali illuminated me inside; the lamps of Diwali took all my worries and rejuvenated me to work harder in days to come. I will be pleased, if you could share your personal experience of this Diwali with me.  Do send me your reply; I am waiting for your reply with pointing my eyes and lending my ears to you. 

Rahul Mate