DIWALI-NEW DEACON FOR A DEVELOPED AND PROSPEROUS INDIA: LALIT GARG

DIWALI-NEW DEACON FOR A DEVELOPED AND PROSPEROUS INDIA: LALIT GARG

7-NOV-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------Diwali is not merely a celebration of the victory of light over darkness; it is an opportunity to awaken the dormant consciousness within, to provide direction to a life that has lost its way, and to re-evaluate our values ​​at this current juncture of civilization. Today, India is advancing rapidly on a resolute journey toward becoming a developed, prosperous, capable, and self-reliant nation.

The world is viewing India’s economic strength, technological prowess, cultural heritage, and spiritual vision with renewed confidence. At such a time, the lamp of Diwali should not only be lit at the threshold of our homes but also within the vast expanse of our national consciousness. A significant question confronts us: as the number of external lamps increases, why does the inner light within human beings grow dim? Homes are aglow, markets are illuminated, buildings in our metropolises are bathed in electric light, and technology fills our lives with conveniences—yet, why does the darkness of stress, insecurity, violence, selfishness, intolerance, and attachment continue to deepen within the human heart?

The roots of terrorism, violence, war, hatred, and animosity do not lie in machines or weapons, but in a distorted human consciousness. Therefore, a permanent solution to the problem of terrorism cannot be achieved through security measures alone. Humanity must resolve to abandon unnecessary violence. As long as the fire of vengeance burns within, the lamp of peace cannot truly be lit in the world. Non-violence (ahimsa) is not merely a tenet of Jain philosophy; it is an essential requirement for the future of human civilization.

The great philosopher-saint Acharya Shri Mahapragya described introspection—looking inward—as the path to self-illumination. His message was clear: our habit of observing the external world is deeply ingrained, while the practice of looking within remains remarkably weak. Today, humanity possesses countless mediums to view the world, yet lacks the time to look within. While mobile screens glow brightly, the screen of the inner mind grows increasingly dim.

A 'New India' will not be defined solely by towering skyscrapers, a rapidly growing economy, cutting-edge technology, or world-class infrastructure. The true hallmark of a developed India will be the evolved consciousness of its citizens. Prosperity is meaningful only when empathy remains alive; power is truly beneficial only when tempered with self-restraint; science is constructive only when guided by wisdom; and development is complete only when it is centered on compassion—both for humanity and for nature.

Centuries ago, India’s eternal (sanatan) culture offered a guiding principle for life: *Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya*—"Lead me from darkness to light." As India advances toward becoming a *Vishwaguru* (a global mentor), its greatest asset is not merely its economy or technological prowess, but its timeless vision of life. Diwali can serve as an occasion to give this eternal culture a new horizon. We must not only show the world that India is progressing economically, but also demonstrate that India knows how to pursue development while upholding human values.

Today, there is a need to transform the *diya* (lamp) of Diwali into a symbol of national resolve—a lamp representing self-restraint, non-violence, environmental conservation, social harmony, respect for women, integrity, and devotion to the nation. When millions of lamps are lit across millions of homes, embodying these values, the light of India will not be confined to our houses and marketplaces; it will illuminate the path for all of humanity.

A lamp possesses a unique quality: it consumes itself to provide light to others. This is the core essence of Indian culture. Guided by the philosophy of *Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam* (the world is one family), India cannot view its own rise as separate from the well-being of the entire world. This Diwali, ask yourself one question: "What darkness still lingers within me?" Is it anger, greed, ego, envy, fear, insensitivity, or perhaps inertia? For cursing the darkness brings no light; one must instead light a small lamp.

Today, India is taking a new turn. Its economy is reaching new heights, science is transcending new boundaries, the youth are unlocking new possibilities, and India is establishing its role on the global stage with a renewed sense of self-confidence. In this journey of transformation, the message of Diwali, too, should take on a new dimension: let the India without be illuminated, and let the India within be awakened. Only then will Diwali cease to be merely a festival; it will become the new light of a 'New India'—a fresh radiance of our eternal culture—and a clarion call, illuminating a path for all of humanity.