AFTER last night’s call for goodwill and the community’s non-compliance to [fireworks] bylaws, I now fully understand why religious intolerance develops.
The Diwali Festival of Lights and the triumph of good over evil was clearly not practised over large parts of Midrand last night, especially in Noorwyk, Vorna Valley, Blue Hills east of the R55 and Crowthorne. It would appear that those who created the loudest bang would attain eternal enlightenment at the cost of ahimsa (the practice of refraining from injuring or harming any living being).
This blatant disregard for the widely publicised call to not set off loud fireworks I believe has set us on a path of getting fireworks banned once and for all. It also deprives those who conscientiously practice Diwali in pure spirit to be deprived of soundless fireworks and celebrating the true festival of lights [in its rightful nature]. Sorry for the virtuous, but your intolerant mates have created this karma (consequence) and my current anger.
Democracy, the rights of minorities and religious freedoms are sorely questioned when a few abuse these rights at the expense of the law and the majority.
Ed note: This letter has been edited.
Also read:Â LETTER: The day after Diwali in Joburg
