Changing Perspectives... on Diwali

When the festival of Diwali arrives each year, millions across the world light small lamps known as diyas, symbols of renewal, light over darkness, and good over evil. For many of us who have built our lives far from home, those flickering flames take on a deeper meaning: a quiet assertion of identity, belonging and continuity in places where our traditions are less visible.

For me, Diwali in Sydney looks very different from the one I grew up with in India. There are no crowded markets, no loud fireworks, no uncles debating politics over chai. Instead, it’s a small but meaningful ritual: lighting a diya by my window, joining a family video call, and sharing sweets with friends and colleagues who may not celebrate the festival but are curious to learn.

That curiosity, I have found, is where inclusion begins. The first time a colleague wished me a Happy Diwali, it was not just a polite gesture. It was recognition. It said, “I see you, and I respect what’s important to you.”

These small acknowledgements might seem trivial, but for those navigating cultural transitions, they carry enormous weight. They signal that our stories, even though different, belong in the same space.

Moments like that remind me how important representation and understanding are, especially in creative industries that shape narratives for millions. Inclusion does not always have to be a formal policy; sometimes it can start with an email that acknowledges a festival that matters deeply to someone on your team, or a few simple questions in the lunchroom: What festivals do your colleagues celebrate? What foods remind them of home? What cultural values shape the way they see the world?

These conversations don’t just create psychological safety – they also expand collective understanding.

Working in media, I see firsthand how stories shape the way we see the world and each other. Cultural awareness is not just a nice-to-have; it is the heartbeat of creativity. When people bring their whole selves to work, their festivals, their food, and their stories, the ideas that follow are richer, more honest and more human.

For me, Diwali will always be more than just a festival. It is a reminder that no matter how far we go, our light travels with us through our words, our work, and our willingness to share our stories.

So, this Diwali, when I light the diya by my window and think of home, I will also think of the home I have built here – one that shines a little brighter each time someone chooses curiosity over comfort

Because that is what Diwali really is about: light finding its way, no matter where you are.