Can we create true radiance this Diwali?

As millions worldwide celebrate Diwali, it is good time to reflect on what Diwali means and what it can mean for each one of us in our personal lives.
After 14 long years, when Lord Rama returned from exile, his people celebrated the long-awaited return with beautiful illumination. The festival of lights (Diwali literally translates to row of lights) is a time of reflection of how may we light up not just our homes and offices but also our souls and community.
Many of us do this through gifts. We hand out sweets and goodies to all our loved ones and also blow up millions of rupees in firecrackers to resonate the jubilation in our hearts! However, there are also those among us who take this time to think about those less fortunate than us. Many spend time with the elderly in senior citizen homes during Diwali, others go to orphanages and care for children as if they were their own. Still others hand out clothes and money to those who are facing financial challenges.
In any developed (in the true sense) society, people look after each other and show concern for those who need help. If you introspect, the moments of greatest happiness are when you help others achieve something. Be it in teaching, providing resources, or plain simply helping a cause, these moments outlast the instantaneous moments of self gratification. When the differences between each other are minimised, that’s when society is happier, safer and provides a quality of life that is more meaningful.