Light Meets Impetus

Calmness, craft and weavers’ heritage

This Diwali, I abandon my haste and embrace the serenity that allows art and textiles to meet in quiet harmony. I don’t want to chase, I want to protect. If I could light a diya for one purpose, it would be for our weavers; their hands bear a shine that has lasted for centuries. To me, light is clarity: that’s when the colors are aligned; at home, in laughter and warmth; spiritually, deeply rooted. My new ritual is a slow morning; No phone, just fabric, incense and reflection. Each year I create an heirloom piece that tells a forgotten story. I dedicate this Diwali to my weaver family; They remind me that tradition is not static, but something that is living, evolving and endlessly inspiring.”

— Gaurang Shah, Designer

A spark of hope and compassion

The cause closest to my heart is education and skill. It’s not just about helping an individual; it’s about empowering families to build brighter futures. We celebrate Diwali by lighting up our homes, sharing laughter and valuing togetherness. As we illuminate our spaces, I hope that the hearts of those who strive for a better tomorrow will find their own spark of hope. Supporting young lives to learn, earn and stand with dignity makes this Diwali brighter and more joyful. To me, light is about elevation and compassion. There is togetherness and warmth in the house; the laughter of my grandchildren; It is the spark that drives me to make a difference at work. “In my soul, after every dark night, there is hope for a beautiful sunrise ahead.”

— Uma Chigurupati, Executive Director, Granules India Limited

Memory, magic and the light within

The true spirit of Diwali lies in the light within you and sharing it with others. As a child, Diwali was pure magic: decorating the house with diyas, new clothes, laughter with cousins. Those memories will never be erased. Even in the midst of joy, I always feel my father’s silent absence. Over the years, work has kept me away from home much of the time, but I’ve learned to recreate that warmth wherever I am; lighting diyas, sharing sweets with the team, connecting with my family virtually. For me, Diwali is a time to purify, start anew and fill the heart with positivity. Light radiates from within; “Whether you’re with your family or your movie family.”

— Seerat Kapoor, actor

Purpose, serenity and strength within you

When life feels overwhelming, I consciously step back to reconnect with the quiet power within me, the inner diya that lights my way. I recharge my energy through calm: a walk in nature, a silent prayer or just deep breathing. I draw strength from soulful music, meaningful conversations, and the reminder that it’s okay to not have all the answers. I ground myself in a purpose; I’m reconsidering why I started and who I serve. This clarity reinvigorates my flame and helps it shine brighter even in the darkest times.”

—Dr. Sreedevi Devireddy, President, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (AP & Telangana)

Energy, Unity and Inner Growth

This Diwali, I choose to eliminate negative energy and welcome the light within; Because wherever we go, our energy follows. For inner growth, I would light the kind of diya that silently guides us toward peace, clarity, and purpose. For me, light is unity at home, at work, and in spirit. My new age ritual is travel; It revitalizes my spirit and sparks creativity. My Diwali power move is to say yes to what brings me joy and no to what drains my light. I express my gratitude to my daughter, who is my greatest teacher and the mirror of my perspective. When life feels overwhelming, I reinvigorate my inner dia by stopping, breathing, and just being.

— Swetha Dandamudi, Founder and Creative Director, Sruthilaya Fine Jewelery | HETVİ Luxury

Kindness, calmness and conscious living

This Diwali, I give up the little things that steal my time and energy and invite myself to calm, peaceful and aware days. While I am free from unnecessary burdens, both physical and mental, I want to focus on what really matters – my hobbies, my health and my family. I would light a diya for kindness and empathy because in our rush to get ahead, we often forget to value each other. For me, light is passion; It fuels creativity at work, nurtures love at home, and sustains my spirit. My new age Diwali ritual is a digital detox; stepping away from screens and being fully immersed in real moments and sensory joy. I also love the tradition of buying colorful toys, which are a little reminder of childhood innocence. This year, I dedicated Diwali to my wife, who is my biggest supporter, and to the universities we built and the dreams we realized with faith and determination. The diya inside me burns with passion, reminding me that even in the midst of chaos, joy and purpose are always attainable.

—Dr. Ch. Preeti Reddy, MD (Gen Med), VC, Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth; MD, Malla Reddy Narayana Multispecialty Hospital