SCREAMS OF DARKNESS BENEATH LIGHT!

A terrifying scene of war, shadow of death all over, and everyone playing their own tune

- DR VIJAY DARDA

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The night of Diwali, bathed in a warm glow of light, was certainly full of joy for all of us. A constant stream of visitors came, everyone embracing one another, and sharing sweets. Children were enjoying themselves, fireworks were being set off, and the noise of crackers echoed around. Those family members or friends who were far away were exchanging greetings over smartphones. Just like you, I was immersed in those joys until late into the night too. And that's how it should be. These festivals are our culture and heritage too. Life thrives on such celebrations!

However, as the night passed, my mind began to reflect that we are fortunate to celebrate Diwali while there are places with crores of people where bombs are exploding instead of firecrackers, and missiles are launched! A dance of death is reigning supreme. It felt as if those explosions were tearing my consciousness apart. I was reminded of a few lines from young poet Armaan Anand's poem titled 'Ladte huye Ukraine ke naam':

Abhi-abhi khet se sabziyan todkar lauta hi tha ki,

Angrezi bhasha ke manual ke saath,

Ek bandookh thama di gayi,

Aur kaha gaya ki,

Tumhe desh ke liye ladna hai.

Abhi tak use desh ka pet bharna tha,

Ab ladna hai,

Kafi der tak bandookh ko ulat-palatkar dekhta raha,

Usne dekha ki bandookh see, Kabhi bhi aap khet nahin jot sakte,

Uski garbhvati patni darwaza thame use door se dekhti rahi.