If you want to see the beauty of unity in diversity, you must let your spirit explore the festival of Diwali.

The history of Diwali is as diverse as the culture of India. For many, it is the celebration of the homecoming of Lord Rama. The exile of 14 years ended with the intense battle in Lanka. In the war, the demonic forces of Ravanafell before the forces of Lord Rama. Following Ram’s homecoming, Ayodhya’speople rejoiced by lighting up rows of lamps.

The word Diwalidraws its meaning from "rows of light". This celebration of homecoming has passed down the ages and has spread all over the world.

In southern parts of India, Diwali marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon of Narakasura. In the eastern region, it is the victory of Goddess Kali over the demonic Asuras.

Amongst the Jain community, Diwali marks the passing commemoration of the 24th Tirthankara Mahavira and his attainment of Moksha. In Sikhism, it celebrates the release of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, from imprisonment.

I can go on and on, writing about the historical variation associated with Diwali. My point is to show that we may differ in our causes but we are united in our celebration. Each of us celebrates this day by illuminating our homes and our hearts. Diyas and candles brighten up our houses while hope and courage enlighten our souls.

The past 20 months or so have been a long arduous struggle against COVID-19. The second wave had cast a pall over the country. While many fought for life, many fought a waragainst poverty and unemployment.

In the darkness, our frontline workers toiled day and night to keep us safe and alive. Doctors, nurses, medical staff, NGOs and health workers put their life at risk to save as many as they can. Some they saved, some they could not. The devastating picture broke our hearts. Our police personnel, government officials, and every member from the essential services made our life of comfort their priority instead of their own life. Words and accolades will fail to convey our gratitude for their service in this crucial phase.

Every dark night can be illuminated with light.

We all must agree, amidst all of this, our MSME entrepreneurs have suffered the most. The lockdowns have surely been a nightmare for most of them. But it also gave them time to sit and re-focus, re-develop and reset their goals. Thus, with the ‘Unlock’ when they came back to their stations, there was a renewed spirit as they reinvented their ways of doing business.

In other words, they underwent a digital metamorphosis and emerged as Global Entrepreneurs.

I had always emphasised that the pandemic, with all its drawbacks and negatives, is a learning curve. Hurdles are not full stops but pauses in our ways, to make us ready to embrace the future.

I am glad to witness that our young generation has stepped up to the crease with confidence.

Diwali 2020 was a hope for a better future.

In Diwali 2021 the future is here, illuminated with ambitions and innovations.