The end of each year brings in the festive season and it boosts the human spirit.
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights is celebrated on a large scale across the globe.
This is closely followed by the Christian festival of Christmas to celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ and to re-enact the goodness of his life.
Milk of human kindness pours out during these festivals.
There is an air of happiness and joy as people renew life itself.
An atmosphere of spirituality prevails as people greet one another with cheerful smiles and share gifts of flowers, toys and food.
The supermarkets are full to capacity as buying and selling goes on at neck break speed. Trolleys are filled to capacity as children cling to their mother’s apron string.
Long queues, chattering customers and busy staff and security shows the seriousness of life.
No one wants to miss out as the jingle music blares: “and the King was born on a Christmas day”.
Taxis make a roaring business.
Television, radio and printed advertisements entice customers to buy more and more. The great Santa Claus is projected as someone who brings all the goodies and happiness to the world.
The picture of Santa riding the sledge pulled by reindeer is particularly captivating.
However, human ingenuity is now showing Santa in many other roles: one shows Santa swimming among the fish in an aquarium.
Children frantically waving at him and enjoying the moment.
There is excitement all around: fire crackers at midnight and the rising lovo smoke spiralling upwards early in the morning.
Family and friends are treated to a sumptuous lunch or dinner.
Some attend grog parties as others hit the beach for a picnic with their families. There is joy in abundance.
This year is particularly joyful as the Coalition Government successfully completes its first year in office.
In my view the coalition has made huge achievements but some blunders as well, for instance, the Fukushima nuclear waste water discharge and the hasty ministerial changes.
However, the Coalition Government must be commended for its many great achievements: Freedom of the press, allowing banned persons to come back home and allowing Dr Brij Lal’s ashes to be brought in for traditional immersion in the Tabia River.
Sixteen years of terror has ended and people can breathe freely and speak their minds.
May this festive season bring joy, happiness and prosperity to all our people and our beloved nation.
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