Diwali. Ah yes, the festival of lights, all bright and wonderful, the time when every home across India glows with lamps, diyas, LED and fancy lights alike, families coming together, and the night sky is illuminated with fireworks. For most of us, Diwali has always been synonymous with joy, abundance, and togetherness. But what about those for whom this light is just a distant dream? Shouldn’t they also celebrate Diwali the way we all do? This question has resonated deeply with me over the years, especially during two personal experiences that opened my eyes to the real essence of this festival.
A few years back, I had spent my vacations in October, celebrating Dussehra and Diwali at my grandparents’ place in Jammu. For many days even before Diwali, The noises of crackers resounded through the streets, and the aroma of festive snacks like samosas, kachoris, chaats and sweets like gulab jamuns, rasgullas, laddus filled the air. It was a lively evening in the colony where we lived. I saw a gathering of children on the streets—from young toddlers to teenagers—while I was strolling through the area. They were gathered together, yelling joyfully and pointing up at the sky that was filled with fireworks they couldn’t afford. In between they would mumble how they wished they could light some crackers and deck their homes like the rest of the colony people had done.
Something stirred within me, and instead of continuing my walk, I decided to join them. They were hesitant at first but then introduced me to play their games, shared stories of their past Diwali festivals, and we all laughed together. I had already brought some sparklers and small diyas with me and decided to share them. Seeing their faces light up as they held those tiny sticks of light, trying to ignite it, the little girls claiming to colour the diyas at home, was a moment I will never forget. For that one hour, They were enjoying Diwali, laughing, and experiencing the warmth of human connection during festivals, just like any other child.
That night, it dawned on me that Diwali is about more than just the lights we drape outside our houses—it’s about the light we have the power to shine into the lives of others. It’s about giving to those who most need our joy, our efforts, and our time.
On another Diwali, I happened to be in Delhi NCR, an area that commemorates the day with incomparable magnificence. However, when the festivities were going on, I couldn’t help but consider the people who were left out—the orphanage children who had no family of their own around them to rejoice. That year, I decided to visit a few orphanages in the city rather than partake in the regular customary celebrations. Since my birthday occurred at around the same time during Diwali, I decided to celebrate in the right way! I brought groceries for the orphanage, grains, lentils, oils and then sweets, snacks, toys, basic education and hygiene stuff and a bunch of clothes to donate.
As I tried interacting with the children, their genuine smiles warmed my heart. They were thrilled to receive gifts, but what struck me most was their hunger for attention, for someone to acknowledge their existence and make them feel special. Every single one was eager to show me what they were good at like a child coming to their mother. As I sat with them, listening to their stories, I realized that the greatest gift we can give is not material but emotional—the gift of time, love, and care.
These experiences forever shaped my understanding of Diwali and reinforced my belief in the power of giving. It’s this belief that brings me to Pehchaan The Street School’s initiative this year: “Pehchaan Ki Diwali”
As we prepare to celebrate Diwali this year, let’s take a moment to think about those who might not have the means to celebrate. Let’s ask ourselves—Shouldn’t they also have the opportunity to experience the joy, the light, and the warmth that Diwali brings?
As a content writing intern at Pehchaan The Street School for the past few months, I’m excited to be part of an upcoming initiative named “Pehchaan Ki Diwali”. To be able to give to our children makes my heart warm up with love and joy. This year, Pehchaan The Street School is organizing a special event “Pehchaan Ki Diwali” to light up the diyas, in our children’s hearts by being focused on providing not just the joy of the festival, but also the flame of education and hope. The event will begin in mid-October and will be held across all PTS Centres, expecting to reach over 1,500 children.
It’s not only about giving our students presents for the pleasure of giving; it’s also about providing them with the resources and foundation they need to create a better future like a small stepping stone. Each student will receive a ‘Diwali Kit’, which includes one new school bag, a combination of stationery, and some eatables. These might seem like simple items, but for our children, they represent the light of opportunity—the chance to learn, to grow, and to dream. Even giving them care and attention for just a moment, can impact their lives altogether.
Because education is the light, the ‘diya’ that can dispel the darkness of ignorance, destitution, and despair. In Hinduism, we have seen how Lord Rama triumphed over evil by defeating Ravana in our texts, and then Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. In the same manner, we can conquer challenges and bring about significant advances through knowledge. For our students, this holds the key to paving the way to a better life with even greater opportunities. Furthermore, by supporting this cause, you are contributing towards their promising futures rather than just the materialistic view. You are imparting to them the flame of wisdom and education that will help them navigate the difficulties of life.
Imagine this: A child who has never owned a school bag suddenly receives one, filled with stationery and goodies. The smile that spreads across their face is more than just happiness; it’s hope. It’s the belief that they are seen, that they matter and that someone cares about their future. This is the light we are talking about—the light that can change lives
Consider how you can be part of this light. How can you contribute to a Diwali that’s not just about personal celebration but about making a difference in someone else’s life? The answer is simple: by giving, sharing, and being the light.
With your support, Pehchaan The Street School can make this Diwali a tremendous success. Our goal is to distribute around 1,500 Diwali Kits, each costing merely ₹300. Although this might seem like a small amount, the impact is immeasurable like a small stone creating ripples in the water consisting of their lives and their futures. For just ₹300, you can provide a child with the essential tools they need for a brighter future. You can be the ‘diya’ in their lives, the reason they smile, and the reason they believe in a better tomorrow.
But why just stop there? In addition to all the activities lined up: all societies, media outlets, influencers, professionals in social work, artists, and businesses are also invited to collaborate or sponsor this celebration. Not only is this a chance to give back, but it’s also an opportunity to be a part of something greater, something that changes the world, and shifts the lives of our students.
Participating in this campaign places you in the company of others who, like you, believe that giving can have a transformational effect. You are supporting an initiative that puts the welfare of the community over oneself for such an occasion. Such initiatives remind us of our shared humanity and the power of unity in the face of a divided world today.
As I reflect on my own experiences of Diwali—playing with street children in Jammu, and donating to orphanages in the NCR—I realize that the greatest joy comes from sharing our blessings. This is what Pehchaan Ki Diwali is all about—sharing the light, spreading the joy, and making sure that every child has a reason to celebrate.
I’ve learnt through my lens that Diwali is about more than simply the lights we string outside our houses—it’s about the light, the diyas we can shine into the lives of those around us. It’s about giving each child a cause to smile, have optimism, and dream beyond their horizons, regardless of their circumstances. Let’s make “Pehchaan Ki Diwali” a huge success this year.
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