October 2 presents a truly rare and profound moment in the fabric of India’s cultural and historical consciousness. This day represents a remarkable confluence – the 121st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the auspicious festival of Dussehra, or ‘Vijay Dashami’. This convergence is more than a chronological coincidence. It is a spiritual and philosophical alignment of two profound narratives of self-sacrifice for the welfare of humanity. While one story is millennia old, rooted in epic myth and eternal dharma, the other is a recent historical testament to truth and non-violence.

Yet, both offer a shared, timeless message of the power of righteousness and the necessity of personal sacrifice in the face of insurmountable challenges. Moreover, the resonance of these events, especially falling together, provides a profound lens for reflecting on sacrifice, moral courage, and the enduring relevance of their values for the contemporary world. Dusshera is celebrated as the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, the ten-headed demon-king who abducted Sita, Rama’s wife. The Ramayana narrates the arduous journey of Rama, aided by Lakshmana, Hanuman, and others, culminating in the final battle on Dashami, where righteousness triumphs over tyranny and ‘adharma’.

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The burning of Ravana’s effigy on Dusshera signifies not only the physical defeat of evil but reminds society to purge inner vices – greed, anger, pride, and deceit. The festival, occurring after Navaratri’s period of reflection, underlines values such as truth, justice, and community unity. Rituals and performances, like Ramlila, dramatize the sacrifices individuals must make for social harmony, highlighting Rama’s unwavering commitment and self-sacrifice for the welfare of humankind. This journey of Rama, as chronicled in the Valmiki Ramayana, is a continuous series of renunciations and trials. He voluntarily gives up his rightful throne to honour his father’s word, endures fourteen years of........

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