Diwali’s Inner Light: How Love, Friendship and Family Help Us Find Our Way
A heartfelt reflection on how kindness, family, and chosen friends act as a guiding light during illness and travel during Diwali.
While Diwali is traditionally celebrated with lamps and fireworks, the truest illumination often comes from within—through the kindness of others and the bonds that sustain us when we are at our weakest. In a poignant reflection on a recent journey to Singapore, a 54-year-old traveler shares how the "flame of kindness" became a lifeline during a period of illness and professional transition.
The Joy of Mentorship
At this stage of life, the chase for career milestones has faded, replaced by a deeper desire to see others succeed. For the author, the true reward now lies in the growth of their mentees. Describing Hari, Lakshya, and Falah as the "arms" that carry them forward, the author reflects on a Diwali celebration for DBS at Singapore’s Shangri-La.
Watching these three men navigate the world with decency, humanity, and a resolute sense of generosity provided a sense of pride that transcended professional achievement. It was not just their work that impressed, but the empathetic men they are becoming.
Strength Borrowed from Others
The journey was not without its struggles. Arriving in Singapore sick and remaining so throughout the visit, the author describes a mysterious energy that allowed them to navigate the celebratory evening despite their physical exhaustion.
This strength was borrowed from the positivity and joy of others—specifically Raveena, Devna, Shweta, Ankur, and the teams at DBS and Shangri-La. It serves as a reminder that when the body is tired, the people surrounding us can lend us their own strength to keep us moving.
The Sanctuary of Family and Chosen Kin
The recovery process highlighted the indispensable role of family. At the home of brother Gautam, his wife Shabana, and their son Siddhant, the author found a rare and precious sanctuary: a place where they could stop pretending to be fine. The comfort of being known, coupled with rest and affection, proved that family is often the only door that remains open when life feels like it is breaking down.
Beyond biological ties, the experience underscored the meaning of "chosen family." Sanjai and Sanyogita Mahawar, the sister and brother-in-law of friend Mohit, demonstrated friendship through tangible actions. From picking the author up to spending two hours at the airport, their generosity turned a simple drive into a profound act of staying and supporting.
Practical Care as a Profound Act of Love
Love often manifests in the most ordinary questions: "Are you comfortable?" "Have you eaten?" "Are you all right?" For the author, these questions from Nirbhay and Parabjot were not mere formalities but profound acts of love.
This care extended into the practical realm. With professional commitments awaiting—including a shoot for Galeries Lafayette—Nirbhay and Parabjot stepped in to carry the workload, allowing the author the necessary space to travel, recover, and breathe. It is a reminder that care is often practical before it becomes poetic; it is the act of making calls and carrying the load so another can rest.
The Heart of the Home
The circle of support extends to the home, where Satya, the house manager and cook, provides a foundation of kindness and decency. As the author returns home, the anticipation of Satya’s heartfelt welcome and nourishing food represents the final piece of the support system that makes a house truly function.
"Some journeys are made for the career. Some are made for the comfort of an old place, an old friend, an old self. And then there are journeys that leave you wondering... whether something inside you did."