Be Happy

In Goa, youth prepare for the advent of Diwali by making effigies of Narkasur. The burning of the effigies heralds the celebration of the festival of lights. The preparation involves collecting of funds to cover the cost of the effigy, the setup, the music, the fireworks and the revelry. Many organised groups turn the occasion into a big event.

One group however decided to make it bigger on the happiness quotient. They went around collecting gifts of sweets, stationary and utility items. On Diwali eve, they went to an orphanage and spent the time illuminating the lives of the children there. Kabir Naik captured on film (https://youtu.be/RAmlgleWhrA) what he and his friends did.

Kabir calls it ‘Sweet Diwali: a story of self-realization’. Indeed it captures the way to realise that the best way to ‘be’ happy we must ‘make’ others happy. We know joy grows when it is shared. But it is pertinent to note that enduring happiness comes when we can make others happy.

Happiness is not really about material gifts. It is about the gift of time… a kind word, listening to others, playing together… sharing not just what we have but accepting what they have… Besides the joy that comes out of thoughtful giving, happiness returns as a gift with meaningful sharing…

Look around to notice the underserved. Not just in defined spaces like orphanages, old age homes or ghettos. We must notice them wherever they are and involve in ways to make them happy with gifts of love, concern and care. When we give happiness, it comes back to us!

When you give your joy away

Be happy, it will return to stay

~ Pravin K Sabnis