This Diwali (20th October), the festival of lights reminded us that light triumphs over darkness, unity over division, and hope over fear. At Project Help India, we embraced this spirit by inviting the children at our programs to craft and paint earthen lamps (diyas) with care and creativity. The glow from these handmade lamps isn’t just a symbol; it is a beacon of love, respect, and a shared commitment to service that crosses faiths and communities.
In the days leading up to Diwali, our young volunteers poured their hearts into their diyas, each careful stroke a pledge to kindness. On the festival day, these lamps were distributed to administrators, police officers, social workers, politicians, doctors, and all those who have stood by our mission in countless ways. The act was simple—handing a diya—but its meaning was profound: we celebrate not just a holiday, but a cadence of collaboration that honours every tradition that contributes to bringing unity and hope to the common good.
The response to our gesture was heartening. Recipients paused to reflect on the power of interfaith respect and collaboration, praising Project Help India for its unwavering commitment to social service and its inclusive approach. In a world that often highlights differences, this Diwali moment offered a powerful counter-narrative: when we come together with a shared purpose, our collective light shines brighter.
Why this matters goes beyond the lamp’s warm glow
Diwali teaches us that every act of care, no matter how small, can illuminate lives across miles and divides. Our work, rooted in compassion, now stands as a living example of how interfaith friendship and mutual respect can fuel meaningful, lasting change. By recognising and honouring the dignity of every community we serve, we create spaces where everyone can contribute, belong, and thrive.
As we celebrate, we invite you to join us in keeping this light alive
As we celebrate, we reaffirm that unity is strengthened when we share our values across faiths. Love brings hope, light, and goodness that rise above darkness and challenge, guiding us toward a more inclusive, compassionate world. When we stand together in service, our diverse traditions become a powerful chorus for the common good, showing that kindness knows no creed.
May this Diwali season illuminate our shared path toward a kinder, more inclusive world.
Here's some fabulous local TV news footage of our students and staff as they deliver the diyas to the police and others in the community. NEWS CLIP HERE
The kids at our Kotdwara Slum Disability Centre absolutely love painting the diyas and giving them to the police and other community leaders - what an important task!