On this beautiful Festival of Light, Deepawali, HH Param Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji so beautifully says: “Instead of asking Maha Lakshmi for the bounty of wealth, let us instead ask how we may restore that bounty for the world. In planting a tree, we are planting the grace of Maha Lakshmi. In cleaning our rivers, we are cleaning Her glorious form. In stopping any instances of violence against women and girls, we are protecting Her.

“Each diya that we light tonight not only brings individual light, but it also can be used to light others! One single burning candle can light innumerable other candles. On this Diwali, let us not only light the oil lamps but let us become the lamps which bring light and then light others. Instead of throwing fireworks into the sky, causing air and noise pollution, let us become the fireworks, illuminating this world through the goodness of our deeds and the selflessness of our actions.

“It begins with one tree, one toilet, or even picking up one piece of litter from the road or the bank of a river. It continues with the switching off of one light, the protecting of one girl, one woman, or one resource. From here begins a chain of light that can propel us forth into a new era. Make the resolution, and launch a new era of light in which all may bask. Hope and light are in your hands on this Diwali day.

“If we can take a pledge on this Diwali Day to truly be the light and help bring in an era of Rama Rajya, then the lights of our lamps will continue to burn not only for a few hours but on and on throughout the year and for years to come.

“With much love and blessings to you all and all your loved ones!”