Good Triumphs

It took the strength, the courage, the determination like that of the goddess to put an end to the evil acts of Mahishasura. We have grown up listening to mythological tales and those from the great epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. These tales have been a favourite among our elders to pass them on to us, in some way, to imbibe in to us the values and cultures that shape up a good human being within us. However, in today’s scenario, the question arises whether these are really listened to carefully and taken a note of, or are they just heard to forget after some time

Navratra is celebrated as a symbol of the triumph of the heavenly power against the demonic might. These celebrations in the Ashwin month of the Hindu calendar are popularly known as the Sharadiya Navratra. Celebrations coupled with fastings for these nine days are followed as a reminder of the war saga of the goddess with the demons. Lord Shankar took the avatar of Martand Bhairav and put an end to the Manimalla demons. Khandoba Navratra commenced following this victory of the lord. Besides celebrating the Navratra that relates to the goddess, some parts of India celebrate the navratra that relates to Ramkrishna, Panduranga, Datta, Shakambhari, Khandoba, etc. even today. To put it in short, these are celebrations of god that symbolize the war saga between the heavenly power and that of the demons, the triumph of good over evil- evil nature, evil creatures, that gives rise to celebrations such as these.

For that matter, anyone who is self centered / engrossed, opportunistic, is bothered only about his / her self interest even if it plays hard on somebody else; can be termed as having the evil nature. Hedonism, egoism is still inexhaustible in society. Even today, there are enormous numbers of people in the form of Mahishasuras who move freely in society. It has become very important to raise the voice of the true conscience within us to fight against all such evils. These nine days can be perceived as the days to rekindle the goodness within us. However, one should be able to identify the crisis faced due to evil behaviour and act against it than just mourning.

We have grown up listening to mythological tales and those from Ramayana and Mahabharata. These tales have been a favourite among our elders to pass them to us, in some way, to imbibe in us the values and cultures that shape up a good human being within us. However, in today’s scenario, the question arises whether these are really listened to carefully and taken note of, or are they just heard to forget after some time. It took the strength, the courage, the determination like that of the goddess to put an end to the evil acts of Mahishasura. If given it a thought, more than celebrating the victory of the goddess, we rejoice the demon’s defeat. But, it is a sad state that more mahishasura’s exist today in various forms, be it politicians, edu-businessmen or even an ordinary citizen. There lies an evil factor within all of us that manages to conquer our conscience and make us fall prey to ignorance or is a deliberate action.

Whatever the reason be, ultimately it is not a loss to an individual, but to also those around him / her. Politics, or say power, is one of the worst evils’ that puts an entire nation to unrest. It is a dirty game and is no more considered to be handled by safe hands. Having said and heard of politicians and their own way of governing, we, at the receiving end also contribute our bit to such ugly situations. Why is it considered a dirty game and why is it not in safe hands? It is lesser the activity of those who misuse their power but, moreso the inactivity of the rest of the people that leads to such results. Individuals are becoming self-centered and seek for their own good. If this leads to a commonly practiced individual behaviour, it collectively forms a societal culture. However, if we know what is good for us and are even trying to seek it, then why is it that we yet have not achieved it? Even if we possess the best of things, live in the best possible lifestyle, lead our lives on our own terms; there is some thing that we still yearn for. Is it true freedom that we are in search of? Have we gained freedom from the British Raj, only to fall prey to the mahishasuras of our political system? It is high time for us to start voicing against their evil acts, as it is rightly said, ‘A society is in danger when those who have never learnt to obey are given the right to command’. If they enjoy the privilege of power, it is we citizens who are instrumental to empower them and have all rights to keep a check on their activities.

Politics is just one of the elements’ hovering around us that beholds the demonic avatar beneath its mask. Education, the biggest tool to fight against all odds, is also not left untouched by a certain sections of society, who have built their business empires under the guise of building young minds to shape the nature’s future. Youngsters are easy victims to the ugly system that prevails in society.

The sad part is, we are turning in to a nation of RNIs- Resident Non-Indians who have developed the ‘chalta hai’ attitude and keep turning the fortune wheel of the nation to be mishandled by some. A deep cleansing of the self has become a necessity in the absence of such national sentiment. Agreed, that it is difficult to find a Rama in this kalyug, but a bit of concern for the nation from every citizen can help curb the existence of the many Ravanas. However, the biggest dilemma ordinary citizens’ face is, they are betrayed by their own elected representatives.

Many times it is also our ignorance that proves to be the demon that puts us in to difficult circumstances. Ignorance is that curse, which can ruin the normal state of living. Lack of knowledge or information about our duties and rights can hamper a well deserved living. We should take calculated risks to outwit those who distract the nation’s well being. For this to become a reality, efforts from our side are equally essential, first by becoming a responsible and honest citizen. Once this foundation is formed, all the evil can be buried beneath it and a strong political and economic structure can be the real triumph of good over bad and, Ghatasthapana or Dassera would be celebrated for more than one reasons’.