Diwali 2025: Light and peace for family and community

Written by Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, Founder and Chairman of the Randal Charitable Foundation

The Festival of Lights arrives once more and greets us with the messages of the spiritual victory of good over evil, the central role of family and the importance of the communities in which we live.

That community, for me and for many of you I'm sure, is a global community.

Throughout the year, but especially at this time friends we know, and friends we're yet to meet are in my thoughts.

By friends I'm yet to meet, I mean people across the globe with whom we share the world!

Of these, for far too many, peace in their communities is out of reach.

The light of Diwali may seem far from their homes, and distant from their families as unrest, political stress and wars dominate their worlds.

In communities, such as those in Sudan, Ukraine and Gaza, periods of war have now overshadowed lives for several years.

Sustained unrest brings more than human loss alone, dismantling essential infrastructure, and displacing hundreds of thousands of people.

Children are being orphaned, entire communities traumatised and the level of destruction means some regions may take decades to recover.

Diwali brings a powerful pause around the world, giving us time for reflection and a reminder of the importance of the connections we hold with those around us - no matter their background.

Diwali crosses cultural barriers and encourages us to involve everyone in our communities to celebrate.

Unity and inclusivity define Diwali, and differences as well as those things which we share can be equally recognised, celebrated and respected.

We can stand together with family, friends, neighbours, communities - and share in the light and joy that celebrating Diwali guides us towards.

Symbolising optimism, renewal and togetherness, the messages of Diwali show us that no matter how overwhelming immediate challenges may appear, they can be overcome with faith, courage and unity.

Each illuminated Diya on Diwali night illuminates the window sill or mantle it is placed upon.

It gently lights the room, and its light permeates our homes.

Perhaps it lights the street through a window too and illuminates our neighbourhoods.

Each light dispels the darkness around it, and with each Diya lit, the light prevails, dispelling even the darkest corners.

This light, of course, is symbolic - symbolising the triumph of good over evil, and around the world right now, there is great need for this rejuvenating light.

Through our family Foundation on this year we have, I hope, brought light into communities we've been able to reach through powerful partnerships, in the UK and globally.

We've forged connections with organisations who share our values, and strive as we do, to save lives.

This year our partnership with Milan-based NGO, EMERGENCY, will see over 90,000 lives saved and tens of thousands more lives significantly improved as, together, we bring medical aid, supplies and clinical care to those in need, in countries affected by war, unrest and extreme poverty.

Through the values of Sathya (truth), Dharma (righteousness), Shanti (peace), Prema (love) and Ahimsa (non-violence) Diwali reminds us that each act of kindness we undertake, and the resilience we show helps us towards a brighter future for all.

Such acts, no matter whether small or large, project positivity and harmony into the world around us and strengthen the bonds between us.

My hope for Diwali 2025 is that the months ahead will bring respite, rebuilding and recovery wherever there are troubles and that the centrifugal effects of hope, kindness and compassion will resonate - not only across our hearts and homes, but through all our communities too, wherever they are in the world.

When the light shines, the evil fades away...Let us be a part of that light…