Letter from a Hindu Girl on Christmas Eve

Namaskar,

I am Dhwani Jain.

Yes you read it right - Jain. Then why does the title say a Hindu girl?

Because I have always believed that Jains are a part of Hindu community just like Bansal, Garg, Singh, Verma, Agarwal, Tyagi etal.

We worship all the Hindu deities and I have paid obeisance in various temples across the country, irrespective of the God / Goddess being worshipped at that temple; including Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Varanasi, Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri, Jageshwar Dham at Almora, Trilok Teerth Dham (dedicated to Lord Parshvanath), Sarnath Budhhist Temple, Jambudweep and many others.

Not only that I have offered my prayers in Gurudwaras, Mazars and Churches too.

This is because my religion - my Hindu religion, teaches me the concept of ‘Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava’ - embodying the equality of the destination of the paths followed by all religions.

Today, on the eve of Christmas, while I am penning down this letter, I am also going down the memory lane.

I have studied in a convent school for 10 years of my life and celebrated Christmas with a lot of fanfare. I remember singing the Christmas Carols, participating in Christmas plays recounting the story of the Nativity of Jesus and decorating the Christmas tree.

All this has been an integral part of my school life and I for once did not feel out of place in a Christian school.

We celebrated Diwali, Holi and all other festivals with equal fervour.

I vividly remember participating in cross cultural programs wherein we explored the variety of Indian traditions. And I say with a lot of responsibility, that this childhood experience has made me a person what I am today, who truly believes in the oneness of all human beings.

Let me remind you that all religions essentially spread the same message of love and universal brotherhood - to enlighten our inner self and embrace humanity.

And therefore I promise to myself and urge all of you too, to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus with equal enthusiasm, while we also celebrate Tulsi Diwas on 25th December and vice versa.

Let us not compete with each other, rather complement the festivities and make this day even more special for all.

With India assuming G20 presidency and upholding the vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘One Earth One Family One Future’, it is even more relevant than ever to celebrate the differences in our society. Let us pursue the ultimate vision of unity, not by repressing the differences but by making them all flourish like flowers in a bouquet. After all, our apparent diversity is just the diverse manifestation of our innate unity.

How can we then normalise one section of the society celebrating their festival, while other sections decide to turn a blind eye? Why can’t we in practice, follow what we preach and be a part of each other’s joys and sorrows.

My humble appeal to all my fellow beings across the world-

Let us rejoice, let us celebrate, let us spread happiness all around this Christmas and Tulsi Diwas and stay together as one human race.