A call for peace and righteousness

THIS year, Diwali will be observed and celebrated on Monday, October 20, by the Hindu community in South Africa. The spirit of Diwali is about “the Triumph of Light over Darkness, Good over Evil, Knowledge over Ignorance”. This is highlighted by the different reasons we celebrate Diwali, the most prominent examples being the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after vanquishing Ravana, Lord Krishna killing Narakasura, Mother Kali killing Mahishasura, and the blessings of prosperity and wealth by Mother Laxmi.

The peace, bliss and tranquility of Ayodhya were disrupted by temptation, jealousy and greed, which led to Lord Rama’s exile for 14 years to the forest. In the forest, there was further disruption again by temptation, jealousy and greed leading to the abduction of Mother Sita by Ravana. Despite having attained the highest spiritual knowledge, wealth and prosperity, Ravana was blinded by ego and succumbed to temptation, jealousy and greed which destroyed all his material achievements and ultimately the loss of his life.

A diversity of beings believing in truth and righteousness gathered to support Lord Rama in his battle against Ravana to restore justice to the world. Through the collective effort of righteous beings, the triumph of good over evil, restored the balance of righteousness in the world and Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with mother Sita.

We believe in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” - the whole world is one family.

Today we find ourselves in a world which is consumed by temptation, greed and jealousy, where people and nations use the most trivial excuse to justify conflict and destruction, for personal egos and self-enrichment at the expense of other beings. In keeping with the theme of Diwali and our beliefs, we call on all the parties in conflict around the world, to find a way to make peace between themselves.

In all conflicts, wars and terrorism across the world, the majority suffer, and a few selfish, egotistical leaders profit. It is time for the righteous people of the world to stand together to reject violence and conflict as a means to achieve their goals and choose the path of righteousness and peace. The Ramayana also reminds us of the scourge of gender-based violence (a pandemic in our country) and gender discrimination, in the abduction of mother Sita and tests to prove her purity.

Let us be the voice of righteousness as we act against such violence and discrimination and restore that Luxmi, that light to shine brightly in society. In our beloved country, we call on every South African to step up and do what is best for our people, our country and the world, free from temptation, greed and jealousy, so that we may live in peace, bliss and tranquility. We invite all to engage in introspection about how we can make a positive change to our individual lives and that of our families, communities, country and the world, based on our rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

On behalf of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, its executive and its affiliates, we wish that everyone has a blessed, peaceful, prosperous and enlightening Diwali.

“Lokha samastha, sukhino bhavanthu!”

May the whole world be peaceful and happy.

Advocate Ranjiv Nirghin is the President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha. 

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