This Diwali, be truthful (with respect)

 

During our five-year stay in the United States, we created many special memories, but one Deepavali Diwali-related incident stands out. 

One afternoon, my wife received a call from our younger son's school. The administrator was quick to reassure us that there was nothing to worry about – they just wanted to discuss something about our kindergartner. It turned out that the town's school district had commissioned a mural titled "Festivals of the World" for each of their eight schools. Our young son, who regularly passed this mural on his way to and from lunch, had something to say about it. Being the forthright child he is, he approached his teacher and, in a respectful "inside voice," asked to show her something. He pointed out that the mural, while featuring various celebrations, was missing Diwali. With the simple logic of a child, he suggested that if the painting didn't include Diwali, it shouldn't claim to represent the "world's" festivals.The school's response was heartening – they acknowledged the oversight and committed to addressing our son's concern. When I learned about this later that evening, the significance of the moment truly struck me. I'm grateful to our town (in New England), which has since taken an even more inclusive step by declaring Diwali a school holiday, in the coming years. 

This Diwali season, I'm reminded of an important lesson: speak your truth respectfully and celebrate the joy of this festival with those you hold dear.Here's wishing everyone a Happy Deepavali.