Leadership and our sugar industry
The recent FTA Town Hall meeting in Ba exposed not only the tragic state of our sugar industry but also the dismal quality of leadership. The heated exchange between Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh and respected Ba farmer Arvind Singh was as telling as it was shameful (fijivllage.com). What began as a genuine attempt by Arvind Singh to raise urgent concerns about the collapse of the sugar sector quickly descended into what I believe was an embarrassing display of arrogance and immaturity from the minister. Unable to respond with substance or solutions, Minister Singh chose instead to launch personal attacks on a veteran farmer who has spent decades toiling the land and speaking up for thousands of struggling growers. Such behaviour is not only unprofessional, it is outright disgraceful. Arvind Singh was absolutely correct in stating that the sugar industry is dying a slow, painful death. And it is fading not just because of global challenges, but largely due to poor leadership, political upheavals, lack of vision, and political lip service. The truth clearly struck a nerve with the Sugar Minister, who reacted with hostility rather than humility. I must ask, has Minister Singh ever planted a single stalk of sugarcane in his life? Does he understand the backbreaking work that goes into a crop season? If not, then he has no right to belittle those who do. Leadership requires listening, especially to those on the ground. If a Minister cannot handle honest, fact-based criticism from the very people he is supposed to represent, then he has no business holding office.It is also my firm belief that Minister Singh has been one of the most ineffective and disconnected Sugar Ministers to date. I believe his tenure has been marked by empty rhetoric, reactive politics, and now, clear disdain for the very stakeholders his Ministry relies on. If he is unable to rise to the challenge, the honourable and responsible course of action is to step down. Useless indeed!As for these so-called “pocket meetings”, it is obviously a waste of time, money, and public patience. Enough is enough. The sugar industry is not a playground for politicians; it is a livelihood for thousands. And if we are serious about saving it, then we need leaders who are serious about solutions, not their egos. Get it Charan? Nishant Singh Lautoka
Child discipline
With all the hoopla about discipline of children at home and corporal punishment at school, and the banning of any form of physical discipline at home by laws introduced in Fiji, I saw this from Wikipedia about the same issue in the USA.
Quote: “Despite opposition from medical and social-services professionals, as of 2024, the spanking of children is legal in all 50 states and, as of 2014, most people still believe it is acceptable provided it does not involve implements. Corporal punishment is in the United States usually considered distinct from illegal child abuse, although the distinction can often be vague.”Unquote.
This does not stop their social services from taking action against families where child abuse is reported or discovered. This should be the same approach in Fiji. If the USA has this approach in its handling of children and discipline, why are our laws stopping parents from exercising their own discipline in their own homes in a loving way? I believe that our Laws in Fiji does not even allow spanking at home. Conan Hatch Nadi Airport
Corporal punishment
The recently organised National Consultation on Corporal Punishment by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection stirred a lot of discussions from different perspectives, though the majority opposed the re-introduction of the punitive mechanism into the classrooms. We must realise that we have come a long way since 2002 when corporal punishment was banned in Fiji by order of the Lautoka High Court. It was Justice Jayant Prakash who ruled corporal punishment in Fiji’s Criminal Procedure Code to be in breach of the Constitution and is therefore unlawful. So, to re-introduce corporal punishment would be a direct breach of this court ruling. Simply, I don’t see any provision for a U-turn, given that Fiji ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1993. While it was good that the ministry made its effort in bringing in people from different expertise to discuss this matter, however, it would have been more promising to focus on what could be the alternatives and what are some of the good practices instituted to counter indiscipline in schools. Sharing success stories and inspiring techniques would have been a more forward-looking approach to this matter as discussion on bringing back corporal punishment is more of a legal challenge given the 2002 court ruling. Though the media has covered in piece meal basis what each speaker spoke about during the discussion, a consolidated publication of the discussion would be quite interesting to read and see the pattern. On the other hand, surprisingly, the discussion was about corporal punishment, yet the practitioners were missing in action apart from the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA). If they were among the audience, then I am not aware, but they should have been included in the panel. Were they invited, and they failed or chose not to attend, or were they selectively omitted? Something interesting to know. We are talking about international benchmarking and being on par with other countries in terms of child protection and rights, so how can we revert to something which does not fit in with the current context? We must discuss things which take us forward as a nation and provide resolutions in a positive way. Rohitesh Chand Kalokalo Crescent, Makoi
Parents lack discipline
I cannot agree more with Suman Lata (FT 16/10) that parents are to be blamed for the growing indiscipline among our children. As a former manager of a primary school I have witnessed many cases where instead of accepting the fault of their children and counselling them some parents unashamedly defend them in front of the teachers. What message would such pugnacious behaviour send to the child? How can we then instil discipline? Who will teach them good manners, values and respect for teachers? Do they realise they are only perpetuating a culture of disobedience? In my view there are three major contributing factors here. Firstly, most of the young parents are not matured enough to fully understand their parenting role as is evident from the way they bring up their children. As a result, some of them turn into spoilt brats. Secondly, some of the working parents are so busy in their professional life they hardly spend time with them, leaving the children unsupervised most of the time. The free education grant has to some extent also exacerbated the situation as can be deduced from the lax attitude and negligence among some parents. They are least concerned whether the children attend school or not and what they do in schools. Perhaps it is time for the ministry of Education to seriously consider withdrawing education assistance for incalcitrant and truant students who show no sign of reform. Only then parents will become more responsible towards their children. It may sound harsh. But there seems to be no other way. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Light your soul
Deepavali is a festival of light Where darkness fades, and hearts grow bright Lamps aglow in harmony bright Uniting hearts with sacred light Families unite, their spirits soar Blessings and peace flow evermore Deepavali symbolizes inner cleansing and peace Where doubts and darkness gently cease It lights the soul with a radiant gleam Awakening hearts like a blissful dream With lamps of love, all sorrows depart Spreading joy and hope in every heart Deepavali reflects lighting diya within Banishing darkness, letting light begin In Fiji’s fields, where cultures blend Deepavali’s message knows no end Temples glow with sacred flame As chants of peace the night proclaim Crackers burst like stars on high Painting colours across the sky Homes are decked in vibrant hue Welcoming blessings pure and true Sweets are shared with love and grace Smiles illuminate every face Offering prayers to Lakshmi bright For health, success, and guiding light Drums and bhajans fill the air A sacred joy beyond compare Deepavali is unique in Fiji A blend of culture by the sea Families gather with hearts so true Sharing sweets and blessings too Unity and love gracefully flow As Fiji’s festive spirits glow Deepavali’s light forever shall stay Guiding our souls on a righteous way Hindus and non-Hindus too Celebrate the light that binds us through Let Deepavali light our souls Dispelling darkness, reaching goals May love and peace forever stay Guiding our hearts along the way Let joy and hope within us gleam Fulfilling every cherished dream In unity, our voices blend With harmony that knows no end Through every heart, its blessings flow As light of truth begins to glow Deepavali reconnects our souls to sparkle Dispelling the dark with a radiant marvel Each diya whispers a tale of light Guiding our hearts through the starry night Let’s light our souls again on this Deepavali With joy and love that shines so brilliantly. BHAGWANJI BHINDI Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Mobile network reliability
A midweek phone talanoa with the leading newspaper editor in chief was a real annoying experience. I would say something very interesting and he wouldn’t hear it, and neither would I hear some of his interesting stuff. The call kept dropping on one network because of poor signal. Then we opted for the other network using that provider’s SIM. The call kept dropping. The very interesting and rather high level conversation was incessantly marred by poor signal on both networks. We still talked for over 20 minutes, unashamedly calling each other, juggling networks each time the call was lost. It is 2025, and we have things like 5G now and more satellites in space than the stars! Yet, it is not possible to stay connected even along the main highways, forget the interiors and maritime areas. I told my editor friend that we needed competition in the telecommunications market. But someone is probably working on it already. I don’t know though. We need competition in all sectors. But the phone has to remain connected uninterrupted first. Donald Singh Suva
Water intake
Been some oppressively hot days here in the Western Division. The heat can be more then just uncomfortable and your wellbeing could be compromised. The culprit: Dehydration. So increase your water intake. Aralai noqu marama tau, “keep hydrated” as we often say in Lau. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Public audience in the West!
After shining in the Friendly North, where the Fiji Media Association united in an unprecedented display of solidarity and collaboration for the historic Northern dialogue sessions with the public, PM, Deputy PM and other ministers, the FMA brought together the residents of Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki in a dialogue session that allowed the public to question and the relevant authorities, including the PM and his ministers, to respond. I commend the FMA for this initiative as it is about getting the people’s voices to be heard, and decision makers answering direct questions. The sessions were great.The role of the media is critical, and this initiative fosters transparent dialogue and democratic discussions. It demonstrates the media’s commitment to providing a platform for a meaningful public discourse that highlights challenges and proposes solutions. It gladdens my heart to see our news organisations working together for the greater good of democratic dialogue and public engagement. PM addressed economic development strategies, infrastructure improvements and regional connectivity, government services, education and healthcare delivery, and agricultural support programs. The removal of the Media Industry Development Act in 2023, has allowed an open environment for media collaboration, allowing the media to focus on their core responsibility of serving the public without unnecessary regulatory constraints. Hats off to our editor-in-chief Fred Wesley and the team for hosting such an event that has facilitated interaction between the government reps and the citizens. The sessions were empowering and enlightening. Vinaka vakalevu! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Derrick’s history
PLEASE allow me to correct your report (15/10/25) on the value of RA Derrick’s History of Fiji. It is indeed a valuable work for anyone interested in our history, but you will learn nothing from it about the “events leading up to independence”. It covers the period up to Cession in 1874. Derrick was planning a second volume on the colonial period, but it never eventuated. Researchers should also note that it is a compilation, indeed an excellent compilation, but the primary sources, which are faithfully listed in footnotes, should be consulted. Also the author published a revised version in 1950, and there has been much research since which space does not even allow me to adumbrate here, but for those interested, enrolling for a degree in history at the University of the South Pacific would be a good start. PAUL GERAGHTY University of the South Pacific Suva
FNPF roadshow
EVER since I came to Australia, I’ve been trying to update some details on my FNPF account. But as many of us know, some changes can’t be done online, by email, or over the phone — you have to be there in person to fill and sign the forms. Last year during a talanoa session, I raised this with his excellency Ajay Amrit, Fiji’s High Commissioner, asking if FNPF could be part of the Sydney Roadshow this year. And finally, on Saturday at the Fiji Day celebration in Liverpool — FNPF was there! I arrived around 11.30am and went straight to the FNPF booth. The line was already long, but I waited patiently — this was my only chance after years of trying. When my turn came, the staff were really friendly and helpful, especially the lady from Lakeba who served me. My issue was with my signature — the one in their system was from 2004. None of the signatures I tried matched, so we decided to update it. The staff gave me a form to fill and said it needed to be witnessed and stamped by a JP. I explained that JPs here in Australia can’t usually sign foreign legal forms, but luckily there was a Fijian JP there. He signed the form, but forgot his stamp in Fiji. When I took it back, the FNPF lady said: “We need the JP stamp otherwise we won’t accept it.” So my form couldn’t be finalised. They mentioned the JP would later go to FNPF Suva to stamp it, but honestly, I’m not too sure that will happen. I lined up from 11.45am till 3.10pm — didn’t even have time to grab food from the stalls — then rushed straight back to work for my 4pm shift. On the drive back, one question stayed in my mind: When will FNPF update their system to make things easier for members and staff? Here in Australia, everything with your superannuation fund can be done online — change your address, update your bank details, nominate beneficiaries — all from your phone. No JP, no lawyer, no branch visits. Hopefully one day, Fiji will also reach that level of convenience.Still, big vinaka vakalevu to the FNPF team for making the effort to come to Sydney and serve the Fijian community. Let’s keep hoping for progress. Once again happy belated Fiji Day! God bless Fiji. SAVE KURUSIGA Kingswood, NSW, Australia
Against all odds! – RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
STRATUM Construction Rewa last won a major football tournament title in 2020.
The Marika Rodu coached Rewa outfit beat Suva 1-0 to claim the Punjas Battle of the Giants title at Churchill Park.
Bruce Hughes scored the only goal of the game in the first half. His powerful strike flew past Beniamino Mateinaqara who was in goal for the Suva side.
Since then, Rewa failed to win a single tournament.
The Tigers lost to Labasa this year in the Fiji Fact and BOG at the HFC Bank Stadium and at Subrail Park in penalties and 2-1, respectively.
However, Rewa won the league and proved they are the true champions of Fiji, having won the FMF IDC tournament at the 4R Electrical Stadium. Rewa’s win is attributed to teamwork and the efforts put in by the team management, especially president Nazeel Buksh, who could not stop his tears and emotions as he wept openly, kneeling.
Buksh’s shoulders were relieved of a lingering 15-year winless jinx in the IDC tournament (FT: 14/10). It’s not easy managing a district team, such is the expectation from fans, well-wishers and sponsors. Rewa beat Ba in front of some 13,118 fans, by far the biggest crowd in any final. Buksh and Rewa have done their part.
They made their fans proud. Let them savour the joy of winning a tournament after long! The FMF IDC trophy has been touring offices and schools. Rewa fans united to welcome the prestigious trophy to their shores.
Saraswati College, Nasinu Muslim, Nakasi High, Baulevu High and Vunimono High bloomed in a sea of red as they celebrated Rewa’s victory. As I saw the colourful pictures, I realised that these special moments will be cherished by many in years to come.
Rewa’s IDC success has inspired the next generation of players in the Rewa district. Kudos to that Bro.
Nazeel and your officials and the two coaches- Priyant Mannu and Tevita Waranivalu and the players.
Thank you, Rohit Deo and The Fiji Times, for covering the IDC in a grand way! To the superb commentators, Raymond ‘The Greatest’ Stoddart, Gyaneshwar Pillay and Nadeem Mohammed, you deserve accolades for bringing ball by ball action to those who could not make it to Ba. Once again, congratulations Rewa!
Foreign workers in Fiji – MIKAELE LEAWERE Galoa Village, Batiwai, Serua
Allow me to comment briefly about workers from abroad employed in some organisations in Fiji.
While quite a number of our Fijians engaged under the PALM scheme in Australia and as well as in the New Zealand scheme, there are others who are still waiting to be called up at NEC hoping for selection.
A question I would like to raise, how about getting our own on the NEC waiting list, employed in these big companies instead of Chinese and Bangladesh workers?
Employ our own people as many of our youths are looking for work. Someone said that our workers are not qualified and I find this humorous and without logic and should be fact checked whether this is true or not.
Come on Fiji, this is really hard to believe.
Changing tapestry – SEVECI TORA Tacirua Heights
Reflecting on the Fiji Indian population
I’ve been thinking a lot about our Fiji Indian community lately, and a conversation with my Ajaa (grandfather) really stuck with me.
He spoke of a Fiji where the sound of children playing was a constant in the sugarcane belts—families of six, seven, eight, or more were the norm. That vibrant, bustling reality feels like a different world today.
There’s a quiet but significant shift happening: the Fiji Indian population is dwindling.
It’s not a simple story of people leaving; it’s a complex tapestry woven from changing dreams, new opportunities, and difficult choices.
From large families to planned futures
In my grandparents’ generation, a big family was a source of pride and practical hands for the farm. But times have changed. Today, young Indian couples, like their peers across the globe, are more likely to plan for one or two children.
The focus has shifted from quantity to quality, investing deeply in the future of a smaller number.
The pull of distant shores
The most visible reason is the wave of skilled migration. Our brightest and best are seeking horizons far beyond our shores. Why? The reasons are interconnected:
- The quest for knowledge: Better education opportunities for their children are a powerful motivator for parents.
- The drive for growth: Better pay and better professional opportunities offer a level of financial security and career progression that is often hard to find at home.
- The need for stability: The desire for better governance and a rigid rule of law provides a sense of safety and a predictable future.
- The fairness factor: Overseas, many find a system where professionals are promoted on merit, skill, and experience, which can be frustratingly elusive here.
- The anchor of land: At home, the issue of expiring agricultural land leases has created deep uncertainty for many farming families, severing a generational connection to the land.
A chain reaction of hope
And then there’s the powerful human network. Once a family sets roots abroad, they naturally become a beacon for others.
They motivate and sponsor siblings, cousins, and parents, creating a chain migration that steadily draws our community outward.
This great change is not a story of one community alone.
The same tides of modernisation and aspiration that have carried the Fiji Indian diaspora across the oceans are now also carrying a growing number of our own iTaukei sons and daughters.
Our skilled professionals and brightest students pursuing tertiary education abroad often find greener pastures and choose to build their lives there.
This creates a chain reaction, as they in turn sponsor their parents and siblings, weaving new roots in distant lands.
Furthermore, thousands of iTaukei are now part of the labour force in Australia and New Zealand, many trading their traditional connection to the land in Fiji for work on farms abroad.
The silence we feel at home is not just due to the missing sounds of the sugarcane trains and village farms being abandoned but also to the missing voices of our own people who have joined this great migration.
And let us be clear—this silent exodus is no longer a path walked only by our Fiji Indian brothers and sisters.
We, the iTaukei, are now very much a part of this journey. Our own skilled professionals, experienced workforce, and brightest scholars are increasingly seeking opportunities overseas.
Once established, they open the door for their families, creating a steady stream of our people to new shores.
Today, you will find thousands of iTaukei contributing their strong work ethic to the farms of Australia and New Zealand, a poignant shift from working the vanua at home to working foreign land abroad.
This is a national transformation.
The fading tapestry of my childhood is not just about the changing agricultural landscape; it is about the changing human landscape of our entire nation, as we all navigate the pull of a globalised world.
This isn’t a story of abandonment. It’s a story of aspiration. People aren’t leaving because they don’t love Fiji; they are leaving for what they perceive as a more secure and promising future for themselves and their children.
It makes me wonder about the Fiji we are shaping for the future.
What will our cultural landscape look like in another generation?
How do we preserve the beautiful parts of our heritage while adapting to this new reality?
Burning the tracks! – Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
What a shot, photographer Baljeet Singh (FT 16/10), in capturing Sikeli Navuni of Ratu Filimoni Memorial School competing in the U12 boys 100m final during the Ba zone at Churchill Park! It was interesting to read that Ratu Filimoni Memorial School dominated the zone, winning both the boys and girls titles. I congratulate the school and thank the other schools for their participation! I’m sure we will see Navuni and the likes, who impressed in the Sugar City, in years to come at the HFC Bank Stadium during the Fiji Finals. Scouts from secondary schools would also be converging during these primary athletics zonal meets to keep a tab on prominent athletes who could represent them next year. Now that the zonal meets are heating up, the primary schools’ athletics competition is set to thrill as primary school athletes aim to turn heads. Fundraising will start and parents and teachers will unite to ensure full participation. That’s the beauty of sports- everyone comes together to ensure our children’s holistic needs are met. Toso Viti!
Fatal combination – Edward Blakelock Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour
A life abruptly ended that day, so needlessly, so unnecessarily. Flesh and soul parted ways, after a night of heavy drinking. A graduation party happily awaited, but it was never meant to be, for the drive home was ill- fated, his family he will no longer see. So while drinking and speeding thrills, accidents can happen and they often maim or even kill. Dreams fade, a life instantly taken. Drinking, driving and speeding, a combination that’s fatal. If you’re drinking, there’s no driving, take a taxi, coz you’re really incapable!
Diabetes cases – Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
The Fiji Times news “20k cases of diabetes” indicates we Fijians are not much concerned about taking care of our health and wellbeing. Fiji is blessed with tropical climate where nutritious food can be grown for the family table and could also be grown in the backyard. It’s unfortunate that NCDs like diabetes are widespread. The timely awareness programs on health issues by medical authorities are always available in schools and communities. Now it’s up to us to take up the challenges to fight his killer disease getting out of control. Healthy habits with balanced nutritious diets are the cheapest natural medicine. Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.
Shoeshine boys – Aminisitai Tora Nadera, Nasinu
I would like to propose the municipal councils or the Government for supporting the boys who do shoe shine on the streets of towns and cities. Hard working boys who show signs of not wasting time but trying to earn a leaving by shining dirty looking shoes of members of the public. I can tell you many members of the public rely on them for shiny shoes. My proposal is, can they be given workstations so their customers can sit comfortably for their shoe to be polished. By this we can make the shoe shine boys feel more comfortable in what they are doing. They too provide good service.
Maintenance of carpark – Suresh Chand Nadi
It is rather disappointing to note that the Nadi Town Council is not maintaining its public utilities to the required standard. Take for example the market carpark. From a long time its condition has been declining but no steps are being taken towards its improvement. No tarseal is visible if you visit the facility now. Despite the deterioration, people still pay and use the facility as they don’t have a choice. It is not understood why this is happening. There are many issues to raise but I am saving my breath for another day. Speaking to the CEO couple of years back, I remember him telling me that this was going to be fixed once their annual budget had been passed. I think more than three budgets have been passed since we spoke but the situation remains unchanged. Before things get any worse than this, ratepayers must wake up and speak. I apologise if I am wrong. As a ratepayer I can’t see situations like not being addressed in a timely manner.
A game – Floyd Robinson Micronesia
The 2025 Skipper Cup Competition goes down to the wire this Saturday with none of our eight teams wanting to loose out on the opportunity of progressing to the semi finals. The powerful sides from Nadi, Nadroga, Naitasiri and Suva are out to stamp their superiority as they have a huge advantage over their opponents. I am looking forward to the underdogs and unrated sides of Malolo and Ba. Nadroga and Naitasiri will have to pull up their socks and eliminate any feelings of over confidence. May Malolo, Ba and Lautoka bring their A game this Saturday. For now, I will enjoy some Skipper tuna and nama with lemon and onion. May the quarter-finals of the 2025 Skipper Cup bring out the best of domestic rugby and one hopes that national selectors are awake and watching closely.
Brightest festival – Ashneel Jaynesh Prasad Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Of all the festivals that coloured my childhood, Diwali remains the brightest – quite literally and figuratively. As I prepare to celebrate yet another one in a faraway land, I find myself tracing the glow of memory, walking through the warm, flickering corridors of nostalgia. This is what Diwali means to me:
The Shanti Dut era
I always knew Diwali was near when a fresh copy of Shanti Dut appeared at my mama’s house—or ours. That glossy cover of Mata Lakshmi, the recipes for sweets I never actually tried, and yes, even the obituary pages that fascinated me for reasons still unclear. I’d look for familiar faces year after year—half expecting some of them not to make it to the next edition. Odd, yes. But in the Fiji of the ’90s, that Hindi newspaper was our version of YouTube Rewind. Before the internet, before Facebook posts and Diwali filters, Shanti Dut was the social media of its time – crinkled pages carrying news, gossip, tragedy, and devotion. I guarded my copy like treasure… until, inevitably, it became a lunch parcel. I sometimes wonder if it still exists – or if Shanti Dut too, like so many childhood things, slipped quietly into memory.
Crepe papers and paduka panic
If heaven had a texture, it was crepe paper. Red, blue, green, yellow – every hue twisted, folded, and stapled across classroom walls. It was an honour to be chosen for decoration duty at my Hindu school. The zigzag “V” pattern was our Picasso, the twisted strands our garlands of pride. One year, I even played Lord Ram in our Diwali skit. My father and brother spent hours crafting the legendary wooden paduka slippers. They were beautiful… and impossibly uncomfortable. Halfway through the play, the boy playing Bharat managed to hook his dhoti to my paduka while lifting it – almost turning Ramayan into a full-blown action scene. Divine comedy at its best.
The Saturday before Diwali
The Saturday before Diwali was the unofficial festival of Lautoka City. Every woman – Indian, i-Taukei, Chinese, Rotuman – draped in her finest sari, paraded down the street. The air was thick with music from Navtarang, playing Deepawali Banaye Suhani on repeat. Shops competed in loudspeaker wars – Rups Big Bear and Courts Fiji blasting deals louder than their fireworks. Flicker lights dangled from every storefront. Somewhere, a child was probably bargaining over a packet of “sursuriya” crackers with pocket change. And yes – guilt was real when you were eating chicken curry while the radio sang praises of Lakshmi Mata. But that’s Fiji for you—faith, festivity, and food, all comfortably coexisting.
Firecrackers and old DVDs
A week before Diwali, our old stock of fireworks emerged like buried treasure. Each sparkler was tested, sun-dried, and inspected with the seriousness of NASA engineers. My brother took on the role of “chief lighting officer,” testing every bulb and fixing every rope light. We even got creative—wrapping crepe paper around bamboo sticks for garden décor, and once, using old DVDs to make “Om” and “Swastika” designs that gleamed in the night. It wasn’t Pinterest-worthy. It was better – imperfect, handmade, and full of heart.
Thirty-minute study and the ‘kerekere’ boys
Every Diwali puja, I had to place my schoolbooks near the assan and study for 30 minutes –because, according to my mother, whatever you do on Diwali, you’ll do all year. So, I studied –begrudgingly – hoping it wouldn’t curse me with eternal homework. Later that night, as the firecrackers faded, a group of boys would stroll down our street with plastic bags, mischief in their eyes and only one line on their lips:
“Kerekere, bhaini… some sweets?”
Their charm was unmatched. And their timing? Impeccable. Van rides and leftover bara. Diwali night always ended with a ride around town in my father’s van. We’d drive through Simla to see the best-decorated house – the undisputed champion every year. Their lights could have rivalled Vegas. Days later, the magic lingered in the form of leftovers — bara, bhajiya, saina, and sweets – served with doodh cha. I maintain, to this day, that it was the best afternoon tea of the entire year.
And now… memories
Sometimes I wish we had more photographs, more grainy videos, more proof of that time. But maybe memory works better this way—less as a museum, more as a feeling. As I light my diya this year, I think of that line:
“Ek woh bhi Diwali thi, ek yeh bhi Diwali hai.”
Times change, but the essence stays. The laughter, the light, the kerekere, the stubborn crepe paper – they all live somewhere in the quiet alleys of my mind. We are lucky to come from a culture that celebrates light not as luxury, but as a birthright. So this Diwali, light your diya – and if you can, light up someone’s day too. Mere, tumhare, sab ke liye… Happy Diwali.
