It has been an age-old household practice to light a lamp in the morning twilight time and prays
At the outset, we have to appreciate our Honorable PM’s efforts in combating the present Coronavirus situation engulfing not only our country but the entire globe. Initially, the opposition did not oppose the lockdown declaration, but slowly they are trying to unleash their strategy of ‘oppose for the sake of opposing’. There is no need for them to mock at PM asking to light the lamps for ten minutes symbolically ensuring the solidarity at this juncture of crisis pandemic darkness that engulfs us.
In Bhaarateeya Samskaara (culture) lighting the lamp has great significance apart from just removing the darkness. For every auspicious occasion, the first thing we practice is lighting an oil lamp. It has been an age-old household practice to light a lamp in the morning twilight time (Sandhyaa-Deepam) and prays. We have many occasions as festivities to show the effect of lighting lamps, such as the inauguration of an event (symbolic of auspicious beginning), Deepavali (Diwali), Kartika Deepam especially in the south, lighting 1000 (Aayiram Vilakku) or Laksha Deepam (one lakh lights) in the temple Praakarams (precincts) and many other such symbolically awakening human consciousness. Scientifically jingly oil (sesame oil) with which we used to light oil lamps emanates anti-virus fumes. While asking us to light lamps, PM should have explained the symbolism and significance of the gesture of solidarity shown by the entire nation.
Let us have some ‘Karuna’ (sympathy-compassion) both to the victims of Corona and people trying to treat them and eradicate the virus.
Practically speaking, we in India experience dark nights with just oil lamps or candles for days due to power cuts of and on. But that does not unite the entire nation in darkness. I presume PM’s idea is a uniform discipline for the entire humanity at large. Of course, if the entire nation could shut down the electricity for ten minutes, imagine the amount of power savings we could achieve.
The opposition has no reason to complain about the economic sanctions already made by the Central Government, but they can check on the distribution of the funds going to the right hands. At this moment of crisis, it is everyone’s responsibility to co-operate with administration instead of criticizing, give constructive ideas to fight engulfing enemy virus. The opposition should also realize the financial crunch the nation is facing due to this pandemic with no money to follow into the ex-checker. We request the opposition, Please do not instigate people with negative ideas and try to guide them with positive prayers to tide over this killer disease – Coronavirus. Let us have some ‘Karuna’ (sympathy-compassion) both to the victims of Corona and people trying to treat them and eradicate the virus.
Apart from lighting lamps let us all pray in chorus voice every day a couple of times the meaning full chants “Lokaaha Samantha Sukhino Bhavanthu!.” let the entire world be healthy and happy.
Note:
1. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
Founded Bharatakalanjali in the year 1968 along with his wife Shanta Dhananjayan also an alumni of Kalakshetra. Bharatakalanjali under the able stewardship of Dhananjayan and Shanta has become one of the well known institutions in Tamizhnaadu for Bharatanaatyam. They created several prestigious and internationally acclaimed dance productions. "The Cultural panorama of Tamizhnaadu" directed and produced for the Government of Tamizhnaadu won him special recognition from the Chief Minister Thiru. M.G. Ramachandran. They also received several other State and public recognitions including Kalaimamani, Central Sangit Natak Academi, Kerala State Sangeeta Nataka Academy's Fellowship, Nrityachoodamani (Sri Krishna Gana Sabha) and several prestigious National and International awards, titles and recognitions. MA.Chidambaram Chettiyar (MAC Charities) award of Rs.50,000/-, silver casket and citation (2002), the "Swati Ratna" puraskaar for Madras Malayalee club, for their contribution to the propagation of Maharaja Swathi Tirunal's compositions through Bharatanaatyam (April 2004).
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