Fight the demons of today

L.N.Sathia


Dussera, Dasahara, Nav Ratri  or Maha Dasami, as known in different parts of our country, is celebrated for three to five, even nine days, with all pomp and ceremony for victory of good over evil. Mythology narrates Lord Ram’s victory over the ten-headed demon king, Ravana, killed on this day to secure  the release of his kidnapped beloved queen Sita from Lanka that is also symbolised by burning the effigy of Ravana, particularly in north India. And, in the east, even if it is called Dasahara, it is celebrated for the defeat and decimation of the tyrant demon king Mahisashura by the goddess Durga. It also symbolizes the power of the mother as the creator of life.


We have learnt that life is peaceful after the decimation of demons as and when they have appeared.
But, Kali Yuga is different. There have been tyrants, oppressors and maniacs like Aurangzeb, Mussolini, Hitler, Saddam Hussein and others, who also have been killed for the good of mankind and restoration of peace and order. And, the demonism, nowadays, has resurfaced in different forms like terrorism that has taken  a  toll of thousands of lives, besides plagues and calamities caused by mindless and undesired exploitation of Mother Nature and earth’s resources. We, in India, besides being affected by terrorism, are also beleaguered by many forms of oppression and suppression of peace and existence, through poverty, illiteracy, corruption and the like. These are the real demons we face today. Even though we have made many strides to develop ourselves still we are way behind as the fruits of progress and development are yet to reach the poor.


One may come across glittering sky-scrapers, expensive cars and KFC/Pizza Huts that have sprung up as symbols of progress but still one can see an eyesore of a ragged and malnourished poor man lying on a pavement stretching out a hand for alms.

Can’t we be ashamed of ourselves at these sights of these contrasting sights and still feel proud of our progress? In this festive season of Dussera, let us all rise above narrow religious fanaticism, extravagant opulence and false pride and pledge to get together and fight to eliminate the demons of terrorism, poverty, illiteracy, corruption, etc. from our beautiful and wonderful country. We can then really feel proud to be Indians.