Deepavali: let light triumph over darkness, in our homes and in our hearts

Deepavali is here again. In every Hindu home, the oil lamps are lit, the kolam is drawn, the house is filled with the smell of murukku, nei urundai and payasam, and children run around in new clothes, waiting for the first burst of fireworks.

But beyond the celebration, Deepavali carries a timeless message that we must never forget: Light must triumph over darkness.

Thiruvalluvar said it beautifully more than 2,000 years ago:

Those who seek the Divine will be freed from the darkness of life.

That darkness is not just outside us. It is also within us; anger, jealousy, hatred, selfishness, and division.

Deepavali reminds us to light a lamp inside ourselves first.

Deepavali is also a celebration of our identity

For Malaysians of Indian origin, Deepavali is not just a festival. It is a reminder of who we are, where we come from, and what we carry forward for our children. Our language, our culture, our values, our faith, these are the lamps we must keep burning.

Just this week, we saw how important it is to protect that light. When there was a proposal to reduce Tamil language hours in our Tamil schools from 12 to 10 periods, our community spoke up together; teachers, parents, PTAs, leaders, and ordinary families. And I am grateful that the education ministry listened and decided not to pursue it.

That is the spirit of Deepavali. When we stand together in light, darkness cannot win.

Deepavali is a Malaysian celebration

In Malaysia, Deepavali is not celebrated only by Indians. Our Malay, Chinese, Kadazan, Iban and Orang Asli friends join us at our open houses, taste our food, wear Indian clothes, and share our joy. That is the true beauty of Malaysia, unity in diversity, not just in words, but in our homes.

As a former deputy education minister, I have always believed that our greatest strength is our children. If we teach them to respect all races and religions, to love their own mother tongue while embracing Bahasa Malaysia and English, to be kind and to be disciplined; then Malaysia’s future will be bright.

This Deepavali, let us make three promises:

1. Light a lamp for unity
Let us reject hatred and division, and choose understanding.

2. Light a lamp for education
Let us encourage our children to study hard, to read our mother tongue language, to master knowledge, and to be proud of their heritage.

3. Light a lamp for kindness
Let us remember the poor, the lonely, and those who are struggling. Share a meal. Visit an old folks’ home. Help a neighbour. That is the true Deepavali.

To all Malaysians, I wish you a Happy Deepavali.

May your home be filled with light, your family with love, and your life with health and prosperity.

P Kamalanathan is a former deputy education minister and an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.

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