By: Resham Singh, Chandigarh, 23rd October, 2008 :Every year there is an irreparable loss of men and material on account of fire incidents on eve of Diwali. A few sections of people (about twenty percent rich population) have changed the FESTIVAL OF LIGHT into busting of crackers, noise and air pollution.
This is against the interest of the 80% poor generation living below the poverty line and a large percentage sleep without having meal. There is an abuse of child labour in the cracker making industries. We are not clear about it whether we are paying respect to the great Lord Ram, goddess Laxmi, Guru Hargobind Sahib or it is the disrespect to the old traditions as on this day Ram Raj was established. In Ram Raj diyas (Earthen pots) were lighted to welcome the Lord Ram. Mustered oil and potash was used to kill the harmful insects to purify the air. Slowly and slowly the bad elements has spoiled the festival by overpowering the industry of crackers with help of the corrupt officials and has taken the entire industry in their own hands and violated all norms and principle of nature.
The corruption in the shape of pleasing the superiors with diwali gifts in the shape of money and gold has become deep rooted and has spoiled the spirit of festival of light. Use of wine, gambling, and sutta are other major negative thoughts to be looked into.
There is need to spread the fragrance of those days when forefathers and religious leaders sat together and celebrate the festival for the preservation of mankind and nature. To achieve this goal we should start criticizing the crackers. Primary groups, playgrounds, farmers clubs, self help groups and all section of people should be involved in the shape of federations to raise voice against this evil so as to restore the respect and dignity of Lord Ram, goddess Laxmi, and Guru Hargobind Sahib.
