Diwali. Time to love. Time for solidarity. Whether ALL faith traditions as well as others, have special occasions like Diwali, Christmas, Eid, Jewish Passover and even non-believers have Mother's Day, Father's Day, Appreciation Day and Friendship Day. Why not? The simple reason is human beings have a primal need to express love and gratitude now and then. At Diwali times, the parents and children and friends and well-wishers exchange greetings, visit each other and this is not just a formality. We do it because it as humans, it comes naturally to express our feelings, our love, our thanks to all those who mean something to us.
So let me greet all of you with best wishes and prayer for a happy Diwali and a prosperous, peaceful, healthy and rewarding New Year. I am also grateful that readers, advertisers, and supporters have sent us their blessings and best wishes.
Always give forward the good you receive
Parents expect, understandably, their children to visit them especially during Diwali time. This is a normal social instinct. But when these children grow up and have their own family, they tend to have different responsibilities and priorities. In all communities, the woman tends to have special feelings for parents, much more than a man. This is genetic and nothing to frown upon.
So for this and any other reason, if children cannot visit or greet parents on a special day, they shouldn't agonise about it. Equally for the parents who would like to visit and greet their children and grand-children, there are multiple reasons like age, transportation, health or others. All these situations need understanding and a bit of tolerance.
One's wish may be there but practicality and logistics might prevent it. In society at large, up to 20 per cent have no children and very often they love and respect others in a wholesome manner. Again, natural. I visited three families in the last few days. Let me describe one inspiring pilgrimage.
Kantaben Dave, granddaughter of Nanalal Kavi – the giant of Gujarati literature, lives in London. She's a former outstanding teacher from Kampala and Mbale in Uganda, and she's 94. Her husband Prabhakar Patel is 76. I can't say I have ever met a happier, devoted or noble couple in my life. They live an exemplary life.
Common people like Kantaben and Prabhakant have contributed almost £200,000 to human services actively in Africa, UK, and India. Completely without any pomposity or seeking fame. I happen to know them for the last 40 years. I visited them last Sunday. They have age-related health issues, and many former students of Kantaben not only know about it but are always willing to render help in their own ways.
Kantaben and her husband Prabhakant live in the outskirts of London in the NorthEast side. One of her students and their family live in Harrow. Every week, this Mandavia couple, at their own initiative, go to nearby shops to buy groceries, and vegetables needed by Kantaben and deliver every weekend. Not only that, Mrs Mandavia ensures that the vegetables are cleaned and prepared meticulously so its convenient for Kantaben or Prabhakant to prepare their food. This noble couple from Harrow have been doing this for a very long time. Only reason is, Mr Mandavia feels Kantaben is an outstanding teacher who gave him too much.
Let me talk about another person. Retired GP Dr Jani, who lives 80 miles away in Brighton, visits his former teacher whenever he can. However, what he does regularly is call her every weekend and talk extensively. I am aware of many other nice former students of all religions who live in UK, Canada, USA and other countries who are so inspiring.
I myself am fortunate to have people who render love, adoration and support, from my loved ones within my family, ABPL Team and most importantly my readers and supporters.
I am most grateful and have no words to express my feelings towards all of you. Wish you all a fantastic Diwali and a harmonious New Year.
