Dhi-shoom

YS Team

Come Diwali, and the atmosphere reverberates with deafening crackers signifying the victory of good over evil. The air is filled with plumes of pungent, acrid and hazy smoke. Diyas, candles and lights adorn the darkness of the night. Special food and sweets are in plenty. There is a general euphoric feeling of gaiety, festivity and regalia.

HAPPY DIWALI

And, why not?  It is something to celebrate once a year. It also provides an opportunity to clean and paint the buildings. Buildings and houses are decorated and illuminated. Shopping is at its peak. People can be seen around, in new clothes and attire.

If we seriously think, the only aspect of Diwali that is a serious cause of concern is the pollution—noise and air, caused by the crackers. They rend the air heavy with sulphur and other poisonous fumes. There are several serious issues associated with fireworks. One of them, of course, is pollution. Have you ever thought what havoc the fireworks create, with nature and the environment?

The second is safety. We are all too familiar with the fatalities and accidents caused by fireworks.

The third is traffic hazard. People exploding crackers and lighting fireworks mindlessly on the road or public places, cause accidents and mishaps. Can we not curtail these? Or, is it necessary to put others at risk for your momentary joy?

The fifth is the psychological fear caused in some people and animals by the loud noise of crackers. This leads to permanent and long-term damage, in the form of heart and nerve-related problems.

The sixth is environmental degradation, particularly in conjunction with the ever and rapidly growing pollution, caused by traffic.

Is it not time to reduce the use of fireworks, particularly, the loud and resounding crackers or bombs? Are we not being inconsiderate to those who do not like or get scared by loud and unexpected and undesirable noises?

One may well argue that one has a right to celebrate Diwali in any fashion one chooses. So, why not explode crackers to one’s contentment?

Well, the answer is, every right implies a duty. Is it then not our duty to respect the feelings of others, particularly the ones suffering from cardiological problems? If we want to enjoy the bursting of crackers, can we not do it in a relatively isolated place where it would not disturb others ?

Is it not high time, we become more thoughtful about our invincible urge to explode crackers? Enjoy your crackers by all means but, in isolated areas where people will not get disturbed?

This Diwali, make a resolution to be more considerate towards others. Remember, Diwali is for enjoying and not disturbing others.

Make this Diwali less polluting, and safe for everyone.