Diwali, Brexit and the world of Literature
Over a billion people across the world will be rejoicing in Diwali celebrations this week, full of zest and diversity. From the delightfully sweet delicacies and lighting of lamps to the warmth of family gatherings and temple events, we inaugurate this festive season.
This year however, is different. Resembling the anxious perinatal stage of childbirth, we are, as one nation, undergoing the painful ‘peri-Brexit’ plight. It’s become a baptism of fire, merely watching our public leaders hash it out for a good deal in an increasingly uncertain future.
In this ‘peri-Brexit’ era, Diwali must have a greater meaning for us Brits; a meaning that brings certainty and progress; a meaning that sheds light on a new way of seeing the world; a meaning that makes us truly global citizens.
Namely, it is an opportunity to be more open, as a society, to Indian and indeed the rest of Eastern literature.
As author, Ravi Lakhani points out, in his recent essay entitled ‘How reshaping our worldview can solve the Brexit problem’ (published by Tattva):
“we can see it (Brexit) as an opportunity to change our world-view, reassess our current position and prepare for a more global future.”
Along with our inherent Eurocentric perspective of history, our literature has thus far, altogether ignored the great works of the Eastern world. Despite a strong commonwealth connection, our schools, arts and literature organisations are deficient in Indian literature (whilst India willingly reciprocates). This must change if we are to live as truly global citizens.
Let me illustrate my reasons by presenting a dialogue from the epic Ramayana (from which the story of Diwali originates), as interpreted by the 16th century Indian poetical lyricist — Sant Tulsidas. The setting of the dialogue is on a battlefield, where the royal Vibhishana approaches his dear friend and hero of the Raghu clan, the revered and noble Lord Rama, to express the following concerns:
“My Lord, you are without a chariot, armour and footwear; how will you defeat the mighty Ravana”
To this, Lord Rama cheerfully replies:
“Listen by dear friend; the chariot that leads one to victory is quite another; the wheels of which are adorned by Courage and Patience…”
Lord Rama goes on to narrate this most mystical chariot with qualities, that can be nurtured by any human being. Like much of Indian literature, this passage, in its original lyrical script, is sung to the melody of music. It epitomises the plethora of Indian literature in multiple ways, of which, I feel three reasons are of particular relevance to me, as a Brit: — values, resilience and literary potential.
Firstly, the study of Indian literature will instil positive values in our children. We’re living in an age where our tendency to rely on material goods sees us through tough times; we pay ourselves out of hardship; our children are brought up modelling the vanities of consumerist culture; objects have become more valuable than people. If anyone doubts the advent and power of AI, let it be known that even conventional technology has mastered the very human trait of irony — the irony of connecting the world, whilst leaving us emotionally disconnected from one-another. The emphasis of consumerism and vanity is eroding our nation. To that, Indian literature, has throughout history, instilled timeless values that provide strength beyond material goods.
In the aforementioned verse, Rama is guiding Vibhishana away from a materialistic vantage point toward something deeper. For the sake of our future generations, let us instil values, not vanity.
Secondly, the exploration of Indian literature will help the mental wellbeing of our patients. Today, the West is facing an unrelenting epidemic of social isolation, depression, anxiety and stress. As a GP, this accounts for almost half my workload — a statistic, that in itself induces a prickly set of symptoms. As a remedy, people in such situations ‘fill their emptiness’ with drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, self-harm, and over-eating, thereby setting in motion, a vicious downward spiral.
Imagine that same emptiness was filled with literature that provides empathy. In our verse, Rama empathises with Vibhishana; he understands the concern and fear; he creates time and space to listen; but he also provides a way out — in this case the metaphorical chariot adorned with ‘courage and patience’. Literature of this sort, understands the truth of the human predicament and provides resilience, consolation and hope (where all other ‘logical remedies’ have failed— including the use of antidepressant tablets).
Thirdly, with special reference to Indian literature in its original script, it will expand our literary capabilities. In literary theory, there is a school of thought that argues the irrelevancy of what the author intended to mean in a given work of literature. For example, in Shakespeare’s masterpiece, Hamlet, the oft quoted soliloquy ‘To be or not to be’, may have been used by him in a singularly deliberate way, but the phrase has since produced debates and essays innumerable. In this relative ambiguity, the reader is not imprisoned by prescribed meanings and commandments; instead, one has the freedom to interpret as he or she sees most fitting and helpful. This type of literature liberates our creativity.
As a panacea for dogmatism (which is inherently absolutist), Indian literature, has a tradition for being open to interpretation, where countless scholars have scored incalculable commentaries. If the study of Tagore and Shakespeare came hand-in-hand, as twins, our literary capabilities would be masterful.
Our Eurocentric and still, rather colonial view of the universe will no longer work. It is not that the East will provide all the answers — no; rather, we ought to explore a new perspective of the world that includes the Eastern viewpoint in mainstream society. Perhaps it is time for the Arts and Literature institutions of this country to let go of elitist structures and instead recognise the value of Indian and wider Eastern literature in this increasingly global and postcolonial era.
Diwali in all its splendour, enables us to transcend limited views of the world and embrace plurality; in the same light, let us transcend euro-centrism and embrace a global literary phenomenon.
‘Ekam Sat Viprah, Bahuda Vadanti’ — Truth is one; the wise call it by different names - Rig Ved
