This Diwali, I decided to give sweets, clothes and some low decible crackers to the poor. I went to an ashram with my parents to give away gifts. This gave me a sense of contentment as I could put a smile on those faces. I’ve taken a pledge to do this every year. This gives happiness to both the giver and the receiver.

This year, I pledge not to seek enjoyment in bursting noisy crackers which just cause distress to babies, pets, the aged and the sick. Not to mention the black smoke, piles of burnt crackers, the soot that sicken Mother Earth. I don’t wish to pain her on this wonderful day.