Dussehra: Celebrating the Triumph of Good Over Evil at St. Lawrence High School!
Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, marks a pivotal moment in the Hindu calendar, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This year, students at St. Lawrence High and Junior College celebrated this vibrant festival with enthusiasm and insight.
The festivities began with teachers imparting lessons about the mythological figure Ravana, who, despite his immense power, was ultimately defeated due to his negative traits, including greed and deceit. This story serves as a poignant reminder that no matter how formidable evil may seem, it cannot prevail against righteousness.
During the celebrations, teachers engaged students in a thoughtful discussion about personal qualities that can lead to negative behaviours such as –
Greed: The desire to possess everything for oneself.
Anger: The frustration when things don’t go our way.
Jealousy: Comparing oneself to others and feeling inferior.
Dishonesty: The tendency to lie or avoid accountability.
“Do we want to embody these traits?” the teachers asked, prompting students to reflect on their own values.
To further reinforce this message, students wrote down their negative qualities on paper faces representing Ravana. In a symbolic act, these papers were burned, representing their commitment to casting aside negativity and embracing kindness, compassion, and gratitude.
Through this unique celebration, the students of St. Lawrence High not only honored a cherished tradition but also engaged in meaningful self-reflection, affirming their dedication to embodying the virtues that Dussehra represents.