“The real message of Dussehra is not the burning of effigies but the destruction of evils hidden within the mind and society.”
Dr. Satyavan Saurabh
Burning effigies of Ravana on Dussehra has long symbolized the victory of good over evil. Yet in today’s times, this act has become more of an entertainment spectacle than a reminder of moral duty. Ego, violence, lust, and deceit continue to thrive in society, showing us that the real Ravana is not confined to an effigy, but lives within us and around us.
Each year, as giant effigies are set ablaze, the thunder of firecrackers and the sparkle of fireworks captivate crowds. But the core message of Dussehra—the triumph of truth and virtue—rarely reaches our lives. The festival is reduced to a trend of selfies, videos, and social media posts, while its deeper call for introspection and reform is ignored.
Ravana was not merely a character in the Ramayana. He symbolized the very flaws that destroy human potential—arrogance, lust, anger, and unrighteousness. A learned scholar, a devotee of Shiva, and a valiant king, he was undone by his pride and desire. His story warns that no matter how mighty evil appears, its downfall is inevitable.
Ironically, the Ravana we burn every year seems less threatening than the ones we face today. Modern Ravanas are more cruel, cunning, and shameless—manifested in crimes like rape, corruption, dowry deaths, drug abuse, and even the erosion of family bonds. The effigies grow larger each year, but so do the graphs of crime and social decay.
Dussehra, therefore, must be seen beyond rituals. True Vijayadashami lies in defeating the Ravanas of our own hearts—ego, jealousy, greed, and anger. Until we confront these inner demons, peace and justice will remain out of reach. Burning effigies alone cannot end evil, but taking a pledge to eliminate at least one vice from our lives can.
The greatest tragedy of our times is society’s desensitization to evil. Reports of violence, corruption, and exploitation appear daily, yet they no longer shock us. We celebrate as if evil has perished in flames, even though it thrives in every sphere—politics, business, education, and personal life.
Ram, too, must be understood beyond mythology. He is the embodiment of values—truth, justice, dignity, and duty. But instead of embracing these ideals, society often reduces his name to political symbolism. As a result, Ravana burns in effigy, but the Ravana within us grows stronger.
Dussehra gives us an opportunity to reflect. Are we able to recognize the Ravana within? Have we eliminated even a single evil from our lives? Are we working to improve society? If the answer is no, then Ravana Dahan has become an empty ritual.
The real victory will come only when we show the courage to destroy the Ravana in our minds and our society. That is when the Ram within us will awaken, and only then can we say that Ravana is truly dead.
(Dr. Satyavan Saurabh
Poet, freelance journalist, columnist, and panelist with All India Radio and Television)
