Vishnu appeared in the form of Narasingha and tore Hiranayaksa to pieces. In fact, we have in our midst the brilliant light of the sun, the mellow light of the moon and stars, but in everybody's heart and mind a different light burns - the light of knowledge and the warmth of human love and compassion. The clear beauty of this purified knowledge which we carry in our hearts will undoubtedly strengthen ourselves for sacrifice, service and greatness. The flame of wisdom and brilliance which we derive out of this light of knowledge and beauty will indeed penetrate the heart of everyone and dispel the gloom of poverty, ignorance, fear, tension and egoistic arrogance borne out of ignorance. Let our light of knowledge and wisdom shine far and wide scattering the soft, but brilliant beams, bring peace, wisdom and the splendour of light.
Peace is a by-product of love.
Hatred will never cease by hatred. Hatred ceases by love alone. Indeed, even President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga who has the tremendous quality of leadership combined with practical and pragmatic approach to national and international problems is doing her best to end the bitterness and hostility which prevails among communities through negotiations, persuasion, consultation and peace conferences. But, when love, peace and wisdom come to rule on earth and men reveal their faces to one another then the splendour of God will be revealed. Deepavali is a festival which confirms a new beginning, the beginning of reconciliation between two divided communities who are looking for peace and prosperity and the beginning of the end of bitterness and hatred.