Deepavali is the festival of lights. It’s a celebration of the victory of light over darkness.
As we celebrate Deepavali this year, let’s look back at the dark period we have just gone through. The past three years have been trying to say the least. We faced many challenges as COVID ruled (and rued) our lives. However, this Deepavali, we do have much to rejoice over.
After three years of lockdowns, which dampened the festivities, this year we are finally able to let our hair down and celebrate Deepavali in style, as before. Our partners such as Little India Shopkeepers Heritage Association (LISHA) and the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) were also able to organise events and activities with the splendour that is typically associated with Deepavali.
Since its inception, organisations such as SINDA have also been strived to bring the light into the darkness that many disadvantaged Indians have been going through. Case-in-point is Project Give, designed to address the financial and social needs of marginalised Indian students and families. This year, Project Give has been shining the light through a number of varied ways – promoting greater awareness of community betterment initiatives, encouraging the spirit of giving back and strengthening community bonds.
Many businesses were deeply affected during the pandemic. But again, let’s look at things on the bright side. As much as we loathe COVID, it built our resilience. The far majority of businesses today are bouncing back quite robustly. But above all, we now know how to weather the storm when the next pandemic comes.
In the past two years, some couples have had to postpone their weddings not once, twice, but as many as three times due to COVID restrictions. Some, when they did hold their weddings, had to do so under strict safe distancing restrictions. Perhaps it was a fitting reminder for couples that marriages are not without trials and tribulations. As we exercised flexibility in adhering to the COVID restrictions, let it be a reminder that marriages are also about flexibility and give-and-take.
Perhaps the most sobering impact of COVID was for those of us who lost precious loved ones. While we grieved over their deaths, let’s remember how they lived.
Because amidst all the darkness, Deepavali is about focusing on the light.
SG:Indian would like to wish you and your family a wonderful Deepavali filled with love, laughter, good health, happiness, and prosperity.
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