Editorial November 2024

Dear Reader,

First of all, let me wish a belated Happy Diwali to my Hindu brothers and sisters worldwide! As we embrace the light and warmth of the season, may the blessings of Diwali continue to bring peace, prosperity, and joy into your lives. Diwali is more than a festival; it’s a celebration of hope, a reminder of the victory of light over darkness, and a call to rekindle the spirit within each of us.

To our cherished Gujarati readers, we wish you a bright and prosperous New Year! As we step into this new beginning, may it bring renewed health, happiness, and success. Let this fresh start inspire us all to carry forward values of generosity, resilience, and unity.

In this season, let’s honor the spirit of Diwali and the New Year by spreading kindness and sharing our light with those around us. I hope that the year ahead brings you all an abundance of joy and fulfillment.

And speaking of Diwali celebrations, please read my short article on 50 years of BAPS in North America. Let me apologize to all my readers for delaying this month’s edition of Desh-Videsh Magazine. When I visited BAPS Mandir at Boynton Beach for the Diwali celebration, I was deeply impressed by the unique exhibition that the young boys and girls of BAPS Mandir had curated. I had to include this article in this month’s Desh-Videsh.

Now let me talk about another aspect of the Diwlai celebration.

This year, Giving Tuesday, which encourages support for charitable causes, coincides with Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Both occasions share values of generosity, encouraging acts of kindness and charity toward those in need.

Charity is a fundamental virtue in Hinduism, highlighted in the Bhagavad Gita, which calls for giving selflessly and purely, and in the Thirukkural, where Thiruvalluvar praises charity as a path to joy and fulfillment. These texts emphasize giving without expectation, enriching both giver and receiver.

In supporting education charities in India, I honor my family’s dedication to this field, particularly through my father’s school.

As I mentioned in the article Giving Tuesday, one of the education charities in India I support is Akshya Patra. Please read full details about this wonderful charity in the article, “Nourishing Dreams: How Akshaya Patra’s Mid-Day Meals Empower India’s Future.” 

In a nation where dreams sometimes struggle to bloom amidst hardship, Akshaya Patra brings hope—one meal at a time. Through its transformative midday meal program, this NGO has turned the simple act of feeding into a powerful tool for change. Beyond addressing hunger, these meals fuel aspirations, offering children the strength to envision and achieve a brighter future.

Akshaya Patra’s operations stand as a remarkable example of innovation and efficiency. With state-of-the-art centralized kitchens, this initiative serves over 2.2 million meals daily across 16 states. With a mere $20 ensuring a year of nutritious meals for a child, each meal provides a chance for a better education and a stronger mind. For children like Harita, Varshita, and Rosemary, who face economic struggles, these meals are the stepping stones to dreams of becoming IPS officers or teachers, careers once unimaginable.

Globally recognized by the United Nations for its impactful work, Akshaya Patra symbolizes hope. This story reminds us that supporting education and nourishing young minds can transform lives, empower communities, and shape a brighter tomorrow for India—one meal, one dream at a time.

And speaking of nourishing children, please read Dr. Iyer’s article, “Twenty secrets for effective parenting.” She talks about nourishing children not only with food but their entire upbringing.

Parenting in today’s world is an ever-evolving journey, filled with both cherished moments and unique challenges. Parents can navigate this path more confidently with guidance, support, and wisdom, even though parenting doesn’t come with a manual. This month, we bring you an insightful article, “Twenty Secrets for Effective Parenting,” by Dr. Meenakshi Iyer, an experienced psychologist and parenting coach whose practical strategies are designed to build trust, resilience, and open communication within families.

Dr. Iyer’s “secrets” are not prescriptive rules but compassionate and adaptable principles that parents can mold to fit the unique needs of their children. Her advice on being a role model, fostering gratitude, setting boundaries, and encouraging emotional intelligence underscores the importance of positive reinforcement and empathy. Her article reminds us that effective parenting is not about perfection but about being present, setting a stable example, and embracing the individuality of each child.

For every parent, grandparent, or caregiver, Dr. Iyer’s approach is both a guide and a source of encouragement. We hope this article helps you find new inspiration and insights on your parenting journey, creating an atmosphere of love, trust, and growth in your family.

While we are talking about growth in your family, in a world that often feels heavy with chaos and uncertainty, the quest for lightness becomes increasingly relevant. This month, we are delighted to share Kanishtha Agarwal’s insightful article, How to Stay Light in a Chaotic World, which offers readers a unique approach to rediscovering their natural state of lightness.

Agarwal, a pediatrician and a devoted Raja Yoga practitioner, uses her wisdom to introduce the “LIGHT” formula—a simple yet profound acronym that embodies actions and attitudes designed to keep us buoyant. By exploring Letting Go, Introversion, Giving, Harmony, and Time Management, Agarwal provides readers with a blueprint for staying grounded and joyful amidst life’s challenges.

In this article, Agarwal reminds us that true lightness begins within. It requires introspection and a willingness to release burdens of the past, embrace self-awareness, and practice compassion. She shares how this formula has strengthened her personally, professionally, and spiritually—a testament to its power.

As you read this month’s edition, we hope you feel inspired to adopt even one of these practices. In our collective journey, may we each find our lightness and, through it, bring more peace to the world.

Let me end my column by talking about my most favorable topic, visiting India.

With the promise of pleasant weather and the vibrant allure of its many festivals, India welcomes travelers as the year draws to a close. Experience the essence of India during the period from November to February, when celebrations and traditions weave its cultural tapestry against a backdrop of beautiful, temperate weather.

Winter in India brings with it a refreshing chill in the north and warm, inviting days in the south—ideal for exploring India’s diverse landscapes and historic sites. From the cool mornings in Delhi and Rajasthan to the balmy afternoons along the coastlines of Kerala and Goa, each region showcases its own charm in this comfortable climate.

What truly sets this season apart, however, are the iconic festivals that breathe life into the country’s streets and homes. Witness the fervor of Kumbh Mela at the sacred confluence in Allahabad, join kite enthusiasts in the skies of Gujarat for Makar Sankranti, and experience the soulful prayers of Guru Nanak Jayanti in Punjab.

This time of year not only offers sightseeing and exploration but also a deep connection with India’s spirit. With each festival, India invites you to participate in its rich traditions and discover its cultural heart. Welcome to the season of unforgettable memories in Incredible India!

Raj Shah
Managing Editor
Desh-Videsh Media Group