REKINDLING RAMA'S MORALITIES TO ILLUMINING THE PATH OF YOUTH

The philosophy of dharma is woven complicatedly into the narrative of the Ramayana, signifying duty with the essence of righteousness, urging individuals to uphold moral values in all facets of life. Rama, symbolizing dharma, illustrates generosity, duty and assurance even when facing disheartening choices in his life.

- DR. SHALINI YADAV

“One who is virtuous and wise, just and merciful, is a true human.”
— Lord Rama

Diwali as a celebration of Lord Rama's arrival spreads a different kind of positivity across the country; a kind of infectious enthusiasm that sweeps every corner. Homes adorned with lamps, lanterns, glittering diyas, and rangeen rangolis, bring family and friends together with joy. Children's eyes sparkle like fooljhadi as they eagerly await the festivities, with the scent of traditional mithayi and savory delicacies wafting through the streets, teasing their taste buds.

This year, Diwali's luminous aura made my young boy's heart pound extra fast with exhilaration, for he is representing the character of legendary Rama in his school's theatrical rendition. However, we all know, fate always has its own plans beyond human mind and heart, and unfortunately, it tried to put a curtain on my little one's enthusiasm with high fever, and the suspense of dengue; moreover, the torture of blood tests, adding more to lowering his morale.

Still, his zeal for participation rests uncontrolled. After my many attempts of counseling and allures for not going to school with high fever, he didn't stay back home. Portraying Rama, Maryadapurushottam, the supreme exemplar of humanity's noblest qualities, has been his cherished dream, a role model of righteousness and ethical wisdom that reverberates deeply within his tender soul. He told early in the morning like a chirpy bird that the mere possibility of being given the role as Ravana had sent shivers down his spine, and his heart has always yearned to embody the virtues of the heroic prince, Rama with a bow and arrows, discarding bad and embracing good.