For Peace & Prosperity

Vijaya Dashami, a much awaited festival of the Kingdom of Nepal, which ushers in a state of euphoria among the multitude. Whatever that may have taken place in the past the gaiety of the fifteen days that this festival takes place enthuses new vigour in the people through the homage paid to Goddess Durga in the most befitting manner.

As it stands the victory of good over evil is what mankind as such always desire for in this world full of turmoil and hardships. There can be no one who does not want the good to overcome evil. It is true that the good and the evil co-exist but there is the necessity for the good to come out the winner in all respects.

Wars and conflicts and animosity have existed since times immemorial but there has not been a dearth of people to take on the task to subdue the evil tendencies prevalent. What held true in the past is still as valid today.

The blessing of Goddess Durga in the quest for achieving what is impossible to achieve is the whole gist of the celebration of Dashain. The evil that exist in the society does not drop down from the sky but it is an inherent in the heart of the human beings themselves. This is what all civilisation is all about. The rules and regulations or religious scriptures all prescribe the right path for all to follow so that everyone gains without hurting the freedom and rights of others.

But when those with malevolent intentions tries to disturb the very fabric of a peaceful society it needs courage and the determination to subdue them. And the festival of Dashain signifies the urge in every rationale individual to fight for what is right and in the interest and welfare of the people. In the fight, the evil have to make the retreat. It is also a time for misguided elements to realise the futility of their disgusting activities as their gloating over short term gains is but a way to their doom.

The country in the years that have gone by has always chosen this great festival to highlight and fight for the cause of justice and peace. When Mahishasur created life difficult for the people, Goddess Durga appeared to end the short reign of terror of the demon. That in itself is a great lesson for all of us to be bold to face the challenges that life has to offer and rest assured that evil has a limited life but that requires dedication to purpose in the heart of every righteous person.

To remain mute to the crimes or suppression perpetrated cannot be the right approach. This is what rightly applies to the Nepalese people and in the broader context the country itself. Poverty and the disturbance created in the law and order situation in the country can be tackled and overcome when there exists commitment in all especially those who handle the state affairs. As the representatives of the people it is their duty to see that the citizens lead a life of dignity and fulfilment. Any dent on an individual’s rights and freedom from any quarter that may be must be addressed properly by the state as per the constitutional provisions and the law of the land. But leaving everything for the state to do is not the right approach, the people themselves too must be aware of their rights and the duties that accompany.

In this respect, Bada Dashain offers the right occasion to commit ourselves to contribute our mite from our respective places in making the country peaceful and where camaraderie exists. We wish all a Happy Vijaya Dashami that will usher in peace and prosperity for all time to come.