Diwali Wishes to the Nation: Embracing the Light Within – Aham Brahmasmi

As Diwali approaches, I extend my warmest wishes to each of you for a season filled with joy, prosperity, and light. Diwali is more than a festival of lights; it’s a celebration of unity, symbolizing the victory of light, good, and hope. This year, as we illuminate our homes and communities, let us also turn inward to reflect on a profound truth from our ancient Vedic wisdom, “Aham Brahmasmi,” meaning “I am Brahman” or “I am the universe.” This phrase reminds us that within each of us is a divine spark, an essence that connects us to the boundless universe and one another. We often lose sight of this truth in our journey to achieve, grow, and surpass benchmarks. Diwali invites us to pause, reconnect, and recognize our intrinsic link with the universe. The real wealth and peace we seek are found not just in external success but in understanding and living by “Aham Brahmasmi” – the knowledge that we are complete, interconnected beings. Diwali’s lights symbolize wisdom and self-discovery, urging us to look beyond the surface and into our deeper essence. This festival’s family, friendship, and community celebrations embody the unity that “Aham Brahmasmi” teaches. Embracing this principle allows us to see every soul as part of the same universal consciousness, cultivating empathy, compassion, and respect.

“Aham Brahmasmi” reveals to us the existence of a divine spark within each of us. This Diwali, let’s purify our hearts and minds, casting away negative tendencies and welcoming gratitude, kindness, and love. Just as we meticulously clean our homes to prepare for the festivities, let us also cleanse our inner selves, allowing our divine nature to shine through. Although Diwali takes on many forms across India, “Aham Brahmasmi” reminds us of our shared cosmic essence. The lights we kindle – whether in bustling cities or quiet villages – reflect our unity within diversity. Let’s carry this philosophy into daily life at work, school, and our communities – and see the divine in each person we encounter. This Diwali, let’s aim to give more than material gifts. Let’s share the message of selfrealization, encouraging our children, friends, and families to recognize their connection to the universe. And let’s reach out to those in need, reinforcing our shared humanity, not only through material support but also through our compassion and understanding.

As we celebrate, let’s resolve to live with “Aham Brahmasmi” in mind throughout the year. If we embrace this oneness, we can help transform our world, replacing division with respect, isolation with unity, and competition with kindness. As we light our homes this Diwali, let’s ignite the light of “Aham Brahmasmi” within our hearts, nurturing a world built on compassion and unity and wishing you all a joyous Diwali filled with happiness, health, and peace. May this festival remind us of the beautiful truth of “Aham Brahmasmi” – that we are divine, whole, and interconnected with all that exists. Let this Diwali be more than a celebration of lights; let it be a celebration of self-awareness, inner peace, and universal love.