I wrote this article for circulation amongst my colleagues , friends and family members – to celebrate a “mute” Diwali – to safeguard overselves from the coronavirus.

I will also send the article to North Renfrew Times ( a local newspaper) for publication . They sometimes do not publish – for whatever reasons.

                                                                                                                               7  November 2020

Diwali  2020  (Saturday  14 November )

It  is  the  time  when  we  celebrate  Diwali  – a triumph  of  good  over  evil .

This is  an East Indian tradition  – celebrated all over the world.

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Yes,  , we  have  still the coronavirus  pandemic to suffer  .

Note:  This  pandemic  sprang  from China  since  February of this  year

Yes,   we  have still the Chinese  army encroaching on the Indian territory on the  Himalayas

Note:  In  June  of this  year   a  deadly brawl killed  unarmed 20 Indian border troops

Yes,   we still have  our two  Canadians  in the custody of the Chinese.

Note:   Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor detainedsince December, 2018.

Yes,  the free world  has seen the most  divisive election  in USA

Note:  Though  the  latest   news  give  Joe Biden an edge to become the USA  President  but  it is still not over .

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Veterans  Day

It  is  time also to celebrate  the  Veterans Day  in the coming week   (Wednesday –  11 November ) .

These veterans and their colleagues  sacrificed  their life and limb for the  freedom of our country  during many wars – even in our lives ,  Lest we forget .  

Our many thanks and gratitude  for their  sacrifice  that  we  enjoy  this  freedom.

It should be noted  that if the  next world war  to ever  happen  –  there would be no more Veterans Day to celebrate  – as  most of could  be vaporized  including  the front line defenders.    What a  horrible scenario.

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I   digressed   because  this year  the zeal  for  celebrating   Diwali  is somewhat  subdued  – specially when we  need to  keep  safe from the coronavirus and maintain social distances and cover our  face  with a mask.    It is  a hilarious scene and  of course it is a serious matter and  we  all should  care for our  family,  neighbours  and  the community  while  taking care  of ourselves.

Diwali is a time for rejoicing and renewal  as we celebrate the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.    Diwali  is  an auspicious  festival  celebrated  by  the East Indians  all  over  the world  with great enthusiasm and excitement.    

Diwali  is  also  popularly known as  ” the  Festival  of  Light ” . 

When we celebrate Diwali in Canada, it symbolises the genuine Indian Culture and it is also a symbol for  ” Unity In Diversity ” in action when all peoples join hands to celebrate the victory of Good over the Evil.

In Canada,  the  celebration of Diwali provides us (those from the Indian Sub-Continent) an opportunity to showcase,  to the society-at-large,  our common Indian Culture and our values of tolerance and respect for all. 

Diwali Festival is getting recognised by various national political and social leaderships in many Western countries including Canada  – which helps to generate understanding and friendship between various communities.

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Notwithstanding   many   challenges  currently   amongst  us  –  we  need to   believe and recognize   that    ultimately   ”  good  will  triumph over  evil  “‘ 

This  year  we celebrate  Diwali  between   our  close  family  and maintaining  precautionary  measures   to  avoid  any transmission of coronavirus.   Yes, no gathering and parties.

My wife Jackie and  I would like to wish  you all a Happy Diwali &  a  very successful  New Year.