Bright lights for the needy
Diwali is all about light, not just diyas and bulbs that light up our homes, but also small charity or acts of giving that can illuminate the lives of those whose homes stay dark even on this auspicious occasion, or for those who don’t even have a roof above their heads.
While giving has always been considered good karma, it’s times such as these when a small act of kindness can bring unimaginable joy to destitutes. Delhiites understand this and do their bit to brighten Diwali for the less fortunate.
Designer Leena Singh, also a governing body member of the NGO Khushi, spends her Diwali with under-privileged kids, and says, “I always feel that God has given us a lot so we must share with those who don’t have much. At Khushi we have over 10,000 underprivileged children and it’s a delight to celebrate Diwali with them by distributing sweets and crackers among them and see the light of happiness shine in their eyes. There are children who live in a dark, gloomy, unglamorous world, unlike us, so giving even a small chocolate can make them happy.”
Politico Jaya Jaitly feels crackers are a menace, and helping animals from being harmed by bombs and splinters is a service in itself. She avers, “People should stop bursting loud crackers. Every Diwali, dogs and animals on the street are petrified with all the noise and fire. I just try to ensure that pets and animals aren’t hurt, scared or traumatised. And this Diwali apart from spending time with near and dear ones I plan to do the same.”
It’s the sight of kids loitering around on the streets while people celebrate and spurge that moves those like Shruti Priya, an IIT aspirant, into action.
Shruti opines, “It is heartbreaking to see homeless kids roam the streets and watch people burst crackers and make merry on Diwali, while they have no home or money. There is always an abundance of sweets at home during the festival and I make it a point to distribute it among street kids or children who follow dholwalas. Something that lies surplus in our household can really light up someone’s Diwali.”
Leena drives home the reason why giving to destitute kids is much better than splurging on Diwali. She sums up, saying, “We give gifts to people who’re already rich and deprive those who really need it. Real happiness is earned from someone you can make happy. These children look forward to whatever Diwali gifts they receive, be it chocolates, crackers, warm clothes for winter or shoes. And their smile is a Diwali tonic. Each one of us can light up a dark, gloomy house and according to me, that is the best Diwali light.”
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