Diwali, the festival of lights, has a special significance in everyone’s life. This festival of joy is not just limited to burning crackers and eating sweets, but is also about lighting up someone’s day with a thoughtful message. Many in the city are doing their bit for a social cause this Diwali.
Owner of a popular group ‘Diwali — Is baar dil se,’ on Facebook, Nikhil Batra feels that it’s time to bring joy to the less fortunate ones. He says, “The idea is to unite and donate something to foundations we know about and make an effort to bring a smile on the faces of those who are deprived of it.”
The Agewell Foundation has decided to spread joy in the lives of the elderly this Diwali. Himanshu Rath, chairman, Agewell foundation says, “We have invited people to share love and concern for elders by giving away their unused/spare gift articles to destitute old people. It would be our tribute to our senior citizens who are living in difficult conditions.”
Many youngsters have pledged to avoid crackers this year and plan to save the money for charity. Nikhil Singh, manger with an MNC says, “I don’t want to burn my money in costly crackers. I have decided to use my savings to buy sweets and gifts for slum kids. I see them everyday while going to work and I always wanted to do something to help them. This Diwali, my friends and I have decided to contribute money to get sweets for them.”
Some organisations are helping animals and urging people to contribute for their protection. Red Paws Rescue, a NGO for homeless dogs, is organising its first annual charity dinner to raise awareness about abandoned dogs. Sadhwi Sondhi, founder of Red Paws Rescue, informs, “It is an open for all event and we are gathering people at Uber lounge to raise awareness about homeless dogs. Since winters are approaching and we have a shelter for animals, we thought Diwali is the perfect time to raise funds to help the cause. The money will go to the foundation and we hope to see a positive response.”
Even People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have introduced a new e-card on PETAIndia.com that reads, “Make Diwali Merry, Not Scary, for Animals — Don’t Light Fireworks.” The PETA online marketing coordinator Kriti Sachdeva says, “Diwali is the festival of joy. By saying ‘no’ to noisy fireworks, we can bring joy to the lives of animals too.”