Shining bright

TODAY, ahead of the long weekend in which Divali is commemorated this year, we share the message of hope at its heart and celebrate the rich contributions made by members of the East Indian community to the diverse tapestry of our land.

Divali falls smack in the middle of a hot political season, with local government elections due later this year, Tobago House of Assembly elections next year and a general election thereafter. The campaign has already been heated, with scandalous allegations and counter-allegations. The usual race-baiting is to be expected.

Yet still, it is notable that despite the frenetic rhetoric of our politicians – who will all don festive wear and take photo opportunities together with one another – our population understands the old adage: how we vote is not how we party. Divali is a time in which the idea of light over darkness is made manifest in our lives by how much we all unite in our shared celebration of this occasion. Everyone, no matter their race or creed, will in some way partake.

The Divali Nagar, which comes to an end tomorrow, represents an unmissable cultural showcase of some of the best in the land. Very much like what was seen during this year’s Carifesta, it manages to draw people from the length and breadth of the nation: all of whom come together to share in food and culture in a manner that dissolves differences.

But as much as it is a showcase, the Nagar, in its 33rd year, is also a vital educational tool and an opportunity for young talent to gain experience before a wide audience with ties to the international diaspora.

All of this comes as the centenary of the end of East Indian indentureship during the British Empire is marked. This milestone is a reminder of the active force of history in shaping contemporary life as well as the need to overcome the past in order to move forward to the future.

As we celebrate, let us also take a moment to reflect and take stock of the nation.

We remain a beacon of peace: a melting pot of various races and traditions. While our differences define us, they do not prevent us from coming together for events like Carnival and Christmas, at the seaside or in the cricket match, in church or at school.

Let us continue to demonstrate the peace and harmony needed in these dark and uncertain times. With threats looming, such as crime and environmental catastrophe, we need to do everything possible to preserve our society. Challenges have come in all forms: military, political, economic. And yet, despite the room for improvement all-round, we continue to work assiduously to make things better, for current and future generations.

This Divali, let light overcome the darkness in more ways than one.

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"Shining bright"

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