By Surinder Rametra
Diwali, a Hindu festival of lights symbolizing the victory of “light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance” will be celebrated all over the world on October 31, 20024. Prior to this, Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, was celebrated on October 12, marking the triumph of good over evil and commemorating the defeat of demon-king Ravan who abducted Lord Ram's wife Sita.
The period before Dussehra and until Diwali is called Diwali season. As winter approaches, Hindus across the world put on their festive hats and get ready for fun times ahead. There is something magical about the winter season that brings a smile to everyone's face. That said, many people may not celebrate Diwali for cultural or religious reasons. Let’s embrace the warmth of the holiday season with inclusive messages for people from all backgrounds, and that will automatically be a great place to start.
Following Diwali celebrations closely is America's 60th quadrennial election, set to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in two steps - one, the voters in each state and District of Columbia will follow the Election Ballot. The decision on the Ballot is based on a higher vote win, except for the President and the Vice Presidents. For quadrennial Presidential Election - is based on who takes 270 Electoral Votes out of total 538 votes.
Each state and the District of Columbia will choose electors to the Electoral College, that will then elect a president and vice president for a term of four years. The presidential candidates include Kamala Harris (D); Donald Trump (R), Jill Stein (G), and Chase Oliver (L). There are two vice presidential candidates, Tim Walz (D) and JD Vance (R).
After decades of relative peace that led to economic expansion, globalization, and the integration of markets, the world may be slipping backward into a “geopolitical super cycle”, warns geopolitical strategist Tina Fordham. Several places around the entire globe are engrossed with geopolitics intensely affecting the world, namely, the Syrian civil war and Afghanistan, grappling with food and water shortages and economic issues.
Climate change is causing new issues – hurricanes and floods. Also, the US political divide, between Conservatives (Republicans) and Liberals (Democrats). This divide is not productive and serves no purpose for the US public and the entire world.
A good friend of mine reminded me, “The ugly reality is the truth, nothing changes – only the nature of conflicts. Good and evil, Ram and Ravan, come and go in every life”. He continued, “The human mind is so wired for conflicts that all it matters is supplying bullets or bandages or both.”
More than 65 nations have gone through the election process this year, including the United States, the most powerful nation that will face the ballot on November 5, and India, the leader of the new world order. The votes come amid growing economic and geopolitical strife. With the world equation changing rapidly, one hopes, during the Diwali season and beyond, that Lord Ram will bring peace, prosperity, and wellness to all. Om Shanti Om.
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(The writer is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded Sun Computers & Software Inc in 1983. He is also a founding member of Silver Oak Hospital in Chandigarh, India, and Shanti Foundation, a charitable organization. He can be contacted at [email protected])
