This Dussehra, we must endeavour to annihilate the evil within us

Today is Dussehra, marking the triumph of ‘good’ over ‘evil’ when the effigies of the demon kings go up in smoke. At the same time it would be pertinent to mention that Ravan was not all evil and neither was Ram completely infallible. It was Ravan’s ego and arrogance which made him an embodiment of evil. As a result, all his brilliance as a great warrior, scholar and master of profound wisdom was overshadowed. Similarly, Ram on mere suspicion about the chastity of Sita abandoned her.

As human beings we too possess shades of grey. We are a mix of virtues and vices. The world has never been a simple black and white view.

Those who are aware of their wrongdoings, flaws and weaknesses and try to overcome these put themselves on the road to righteousness. Such people do not focus on the evil of others and neither do they gloss over their own negative traits. They always endeavour to subdue their vices and let the ‘virtuous self’ dominate.

So, this Dussehra while we celebrate the victory of ‘good’ over ‘evil’ we must also look inwards in an effort to vanquish evil thoughts and negative feelings, thus contributing towards goodwill and harmony in the world.