A Perspective on Diwali Celebrations

A few interesting snippets from Diwali on a B-School campus.

Hostel Decoration Competition

This time on Diwali, an Inter-Hostel decoration competition was held. And you bet a lot of hostels were really decked up..Painstakingly made rangolis, innovations in lighting, bribing judges with sweets (:P), breathtaking designs. Very nice and lots of feel good factor. But all this, when it doesn’t happen usually. One friend raised a very pertinent point. And I agree. So does everything have to hinge on “competition”? Is that the primary motivation to do things? And can it spur a certain segment of people to do anything? Yes, there is the joy in celebrations and the joy in decorating together. But why doesn’t it happen every year? Yes, some hostels do decorate each year, but the motivation again primarily is to show off an attitude “We’re the best decorated hostel”. One poor soul who prides himself on raising conflicting opinions and championing different causes raised his voice.. Why should we spend insanely on ostentatious decorations? (About Rs. 10,000) Why not donate it for charity instead? Very right. The suggestion was quickly shot down. “Good views..But after all it is a competition this year and it is necessary to try and win?” No questions asked.

(Inhaling deeply) “Aah the pollution reminds me of Delhi!..mazza aa gaya! (it's so much fun)"

I overheard that at one place where crackers were being burst. It took me back to thoughts of how the smell of freshly brewed coffee brings back nostalgic memories of childhood. Of course memories and nostalgia are encoded with multi-sensory data. The smoke, light and the sound of crackers did remind me also of the Diwali at Delhi. Let me not get into a clichéd discussion about the pros and cons of the cracker-bursting exercise.

Mass Bunk

By some weird quirk of scheduling, classes were scheduled from 7pm-11pm on Diwali night. The resentment among the students needn’t be overemphasised. “Mass bunk” used to be a favourite exercise during undergraduate days. A teacher fails to turn up for ten minutes, and that was it. The students would disappear. So here, some kind of a mob mentality ensued, coupled with the resentment of classes on Diwali. And cries of “Mass bunk” were raised. It is a different matter that it was never going to be pulled off..And nobody thought of the repercussions either. But the strength of the mob ensured people atleast put up a show of walking out for a while.

"Come Let’s Play Poker"

Some enterprising individuals took up a “social initiative” of teaching Poker to people on campus and having a “Poker Night” on Diwali. Of course more the players, more the stakes. All the more better if a majority of the players are novices.

My Diwali

My second Diwali on campus. I had some fond memories of the first one and did not know what to expect on this one. It proved to be an interesting day, and a thoughtful night. There was an undeniable feel good factor associated with all the celebratory mood around. People decked up in nice clothes, buildings decked up in nice lights and a symbolic Puja. Some of it recreated the magic of the Diwali I’m used to, the Diwali at Delhi. More importantly, I went through the night observing interesting things, realising a few things , taking a few decisions and generating some food for thought. Interesting time overall.

Here’s wishing everyone a Happy Diwali and a great year full of smiles!