Vijayadashmi

 Growing up, we have all enjoyed celebrating the victory of Ram over Ravan, Good over evil, on the 10th day of the Ashvin month. Dussehra, Dasara, Vijayadashmi, whatever the name we may call it, our intention for the coming year remains the same- burning all the negative qualities in us, and continuing to live a life, devoted to the possible good ones. Most of us try to overcome our anger, ego, arrogance, and other Ravan-like qualities for some days after the Ravandahan . But very few of us might be able to continue the same for a longer time period.

It is no hidden fact that Ravan, the great scholar, a capable ruler and a maestro of the Veena made Rama sorrowful over his death. The ten heads representing his knowledge of the six Shastras and the four Vedas were no more. Still, the revered devotee of Shiva is sometimes depicted to be nothing more than an evil character, which again, is true in some events. Along with all this, is it possible, with the blazing effigies of Ravan, that we might burn off the knowledge, the power, and the dedication as well? Defeating a person does not only include their bad deeds but a lot more than that.

There might not even be the whole picture in front of us. The one who defeated Ravan, Ram and his army, definitely had the traits dynamic and influential enough to be the ones to triumph over the mighty Ravan. Ram, an avatar of Vishnu, is known to be a person with innate goodness and adherent to truth and Dharma. All these abilities together managed to defeat one of the greatest skill-bearers.

This Dussehra, like all the previous and upcoming ones, let us all try to acquire Ram’s moon-like pleasing qualities and his earth-like forgiving nature to win over only the negative traits of Ravan, affording his brave heart.

Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous Vijayadashmi!

                              Vaadasabha Member

                                Sneha Jain