Spreading joy and light is, no doubt, the spirit of Diwali. So, what better way to celebrate this festival of lights than by giving and gifting radiance, hope and abundance? Tired of reckless revelry, several people are now celebrating Diwali in a more meaningful way, by spending the day with the under-privileged. “This Diwali, we have planned two things — we will be distributing sweet boxes to GHMC workers, and we have also collected woollen clothing to be distributed in an orphanage. Our group, Sainikpuri & Beyond, organises many such things throughout the year,” says Deepa Shailendra, a resident of Sainikpuri.
Socialite Bina Mehta and her volunteers of Udaan Organisation will be distributing Diwali hampers to the government school children at Ramkote. “Small contributions and efforts by the people can make a huge difference in the lives of these children. We look forward to other such initiatives to spread happiness in the lives of these children,” says Bina. Suniel Kumar, treasurer, Federation of North-Eastern colonies of Secunderabad, says, “I spend Diwali with senior citizens at an old-age home near my place. Along with people from the colony, I distribute blankets, as winter starts to set after Diwali. This time, we are also planning to gift firecrackers to under privileged kids.” Talking about his experience so far, he adds, “I always get emotional when I visit the old-age home, but, I like being with them.”
Others too have redefined the word ‘celebration’. “Every year, I go to an orphanage and distribute diyas, sweets and firecrackers. This year too, we are going to serve the needy in the orphanage. The kids there are independent and loving, and they make you feel like family,” says Madhavi Kolli, State Executive Member, Bharatiya Janata Mahila Morcha. Socialite Padma Rajagopal, who adopted the village of Muchinatal, is looking forward to educate the women of the village this Diwali. “I will be imparting computer training to 50 under-privileged women of the village. The training will go on for two months. I adopted this village on behalf of FICCI ladies organisation,” she says. Another member of FICCI ladies organisation, Supriya Reddy, will also be accompanying her to train the women.
