Deepawali

Deepawali, the festival of lights holds special significance in the lives of we Indians as it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. The Legend has it that the people of Ayodhya celebrated prince Rama's return by lighting earthen Lamps (Diyas). That is why it is refered to as Deepawali- the nights of lamps. Goddess Laxmi- the Goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped in North India, while Goddess Kali- the Goddess of strength and power is worshipped in east India.

This day is celebrated as the MahaNirvan Day of Swami Dayanand Saraswati- the founder of Arya Samaj. In the midst of all the graneur of celebrations, decorations etc, one must not forget the essence of the festival which is all about being good and doing good deeds. Let us all be good human beings first, then only we can deserve to celebrate the festivals. If we think of festivals to satisfy our appetite for worldly possessions only and don't think of how as an individual we are, then I don't think we are deserving enough to celebrate such festivals. Crackers for example are things that msut be avoided as not only they cause air pollution but sound pollution as well causing a lot of trouble for people at large.
We must remember that our freedom is limited to someone else's discomfort. Our comfort should not become the cause of discomfort for others.

Vaicharikdarpan

"http://vaicharikdarpan.blogspot.com"

Why I chose this name for the URL?

Well, I was simply looking for a name and just then a thought came to my mind that this is a platform to express my views, my thoughts and this is a platform wherein I can see through my own views and opinions not only through my eyes, but through the eyes of others. If I can see my self through the mirror, I can see my own thoughts find expression here through this platform that is why it is named as vaicharikdarpan.

Its just the beginning! More to follow!

Independence Day- What it means for me

Every Year 15th August comes and comes with it the news that its a national festival, national holiday, shops and business establishments are closed and almost everyone is in a mood to relax and enjoy the holiday. The official celebrations are at the RedFort New Delhi, with the Prime Minister unfurling the national flag and addressing the nation. Every state in the nation has its scheduled programmes, TV & Radio play patriotic songs and show films on love for the nation and some social welfare schemes are launched with immense enthusiasm. But, my mind asks me-- That's all and nothing else? What you have done to participate in this festival? What you have done to honour and preserve the freedom of the nation? Have you stopped someone from spreading communal hatred through provocative speeches, from asking to clarify one's religion before offering a hand in friendship, from passing irresponsible comments aganst a community while giving opinion on an event or a tragedy? Or More commonly- from spitting on the road, from not sitting on the floor of the metro, from sitting on the ladies seat, from smoking in a public place? What have you done at your end to make people realize that our own convenience can become a matter of inconvenience to others? What have you done to redeem the sense of duty that you had while you studied civics during your school? The list of duties that are there in the constitution, do you remember them? or are you simply obsessed with the list of your rights? The Duty to maintain the unity and communal harmony of the country? Have you contributed towards that end? If the answers to such questions are a big NO, then you have no right to enjoy the freedom given to you by the blood of the countless known and unknown freedom fighters who gave their today for our tomorrow which is now our present. Let us all take a pledge to make a difference in our own small ways and reinforce the feelings of unity and brotherhood in all our minds and hearts, without thinking that what can a common man do in his own capacity. Mazhab Nahi Sikhata aapas mein Bair Rakhna, Hindi Hain Hum, watan hai, Hindustan hamara!, Jai Hind. Aaiye, Kasam Khayein ki iss Desh ki Ganga-Jamuni Tahzeeb ko Barkaraar Rakhenge!, Mazhab ke naam par Dilon ke beech diwaarein nahi Banne denge! phir Chahe hum Rahen, Ya Na Rahen!