Wishing you a peaceful, natural, and joyous Holi — The Festival of Transformation Embracing the Natural, Philosophical, and Social Spirit of Holi
I am writing to convey my sincerest and most enthusiastic felicitations to you and your respective families as we celebrate the delightful and deeply meaningful festival of Holi. Marking a potent cultural moment, this festival arrives imbued with the poetic allure that accompanies the transformation of the seasons. With the departure of winter's crisp tranquillity, Holi heralds the magnificent onset of spring, a season characterised by rejuvenation, the commemoration of a bountiful harvest, and the flourishing of affection in its myriad expressions.
The Holi festival, extending far beyond its outwardly apparent enjoyment of vibrant colours and delicious sweets, contains a profound reservoir of philosophical and psychological meaning that is crucial for the flourishing of both individuals and society as a whole.
The ritualistic lighting of the Holika Dahan bonfire, which takes place on the evening that directly precedes the primary festival, serves as a profound and enduring symbolic representation of the triumph of righteousness over malevolence. This important ceremony is performed to honour Prahlada's unwavering faith and his miraculous escape from peril, an occurrence that ultimately resulted in the demise of the haughty and oppressive King Hiranyakaship through the divine intervention of Lord Narasimha. The significance of this narrative extends beyond its classification as a mythological tale, functioning as a periodic confirmation that devotion, moral duty, and resilience invariably conquer self-importance and injustice.
From a profound human and psychological perspective, the festival of Holi presents us with a specifically designated wherein we are empowered to cleanse ourselves of the emotional impurities, such as grudges, resentments, and anxieties, that have been undoubtedly gathering within us.
This particular festival has been thoughtfully and exquisitely designed for the purpose of:
- Ending conflicts involves a proactive approach to finding common ground and fostering understanding with individuals with whom disagreements have previously existed.
- The act of forgiving past debts serves a dual purpose: it liberates individuals from carrying the emotional weight of historical obligations and also frees them from any perceived encumbrances that may have arisen.
- Rebuilding Fractured Bonds: The act of re-establishing connections with those from whom one has become estranged involves approaching them with genuine openness and a willingness to mend the relationship, metaphorically "resetting" the bond by collectively embracing the vibrancy and happiness that colour and shared joy can bring.
Building Harmony - Holi as a Social Mandate
Establishing a sense of togetherness, where the celebration of Holi functions as a required societal duty to promote amity
My extensive engagement with marginalised groups and my practical experience in the realm of conflict resolution have deeply impressed upon me an irrefutable principle: fostering a society characterised by authentic peace and broad inclusivity is contingent upon our deliberate commitment to embracing constructive methods of resolution in lieu of reactive behaviours or violent actions. Holi is a celebration that encapsulates this very same principle. This presents a remarkable chance for everyone involved to move beyond superficial distinctions, such as caste, social standing, religious beliefs, or differing viewpoints, and instead, to connect with each other through authentic empathy, subsequently committing ourselves to the pursuit of a more peaceful and non-violent global society.
By engaging in the collective act of throwing colour, individuals experience a profound sense of equality, as this shared activity temporarily dismantles the social divisions that typically keep people apart, thereby highlighting our fundamental human connection.
A Call for Environmental and Social Responsibility
In my capacity as both a social environmentalist and a passionate advocate for holistic well-being, I am compelled to direct your focus toward the ways in which we perceive and interact with the tangible, physical dimensions of this significant occasion.
The historical origins of the spirited act of throwing gulal, the distinctive colored powder, can be traced back to traditions that emphasised both healing properties and ecological responsibility. These vibrant colours, a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of our wise ancestors, were wholly created from natural sources. Among the ingredients featured in this preparation were the powerful blossoms of the palash, also known as the flame-of-the-forest tree, along with the cleansing properties of neem leaves, the anti-inflammatory benefits of haldi (turmeric), and a selection of other beneficial natural herbs that have been advised by experienced Ayurvedic practitioners. This particular practice was not conducted in a haphazard or arbitrary manner.
It is a matter of profound regret that the way we celebrate in contemporary times has unfortunately veered into a direction that is no longer aligned with this enduring and environmentally sound principle. A significant abundance of synthetic, metal-based industrial dyes can be observed in today's markets, and these are often made available for purchase without the necessary stringent quality control measures imposed by regulatory bodies. The presence of hazardous compounds such as lead, mercury, and chromium within these chemical colourants is the root cause of significant health risks, which encompass:
- The potential for acute eye irritation, which could lead to significant damage to vision, is a serious concern.
- Various types of skin diseases, some of which can be severely debilitating, in addition to a number of different allergies.
- A considerable, yet transient, degradation of the water quality within our freshwater bodies and wastewater treatment facilities, leading to adverse impacts on marine ecosystems and agricultural land.
Returning to the Sustainable Roots
I urge you to consider a mindful and principled recommitment to our foundational principles and heritage as the year unfolds. We are able to accomplish two crucial objectives at the same time by opting for safer, natural colourants that are sourced from plants and flowers. Our efforts are focused on both preserving our individual health and diligently safeguarding the sensitive condition of the environment we inhabit.
In addition to other considerations, this particular decision holds significant advantages for the socio-economic landscape. The local production of these natural colourants serves the dual purpose of bolstering small-scale cottage industries and providing empowerment opportunities for women's self-help groups. This initiative represents a fundamental and community-driven advancement in the endeavour to establish self-reliant, enduring, and distributed economic systems within villages throughout the nation.
In honour of the divine and playfully affectionate bond between Radha and Krishna, we shall partake in the customary expressions of joy, engage in musical festivities, and savour traditional culinary delights, but it is crucial that this celebration be undertaken with a profound and awakened consciousness of our individual and collective obligations to ourselves, to our community, and to the Earth.
I extend my warmest wishes for a Holi that is not only wonderfully happy and thoroughly safe but also rich in meaning and adorned with genuine, brilliant hues.
Warm regards,
Vivek U Glendenning
by Vivek Umrao Glendenning 'Social Nomad'
- The Founder, the Executive Editor: Ground Report India group
- Member, London Press Club, UK
- Member, International Association of Press Clubs (London Press Club)
- Member, International PEN
- Member, Sydney PEN
- Member, International Board-the International Association of Educators for World Peace
- World Peace Ambassador 2018-22
- Wellness Consultant - Holistic Architect
- The Author, Books
Vivek Umrao Glendenning
Vivek Umrao Glendenning’s life narrative is a powerful illustration of idealism translated into profound action, marked by an unwavering commitment to social justice and a deliberate rejection of personal ambition for the greater good. His journey is not merely a biography but a case study in radical dedication to community upliftment in some of India's most underserved regions.
The Architect of a Life of Service:
Trained initially as a mechanical engineer, Vivek's career path seemed predetermined—a lucrative future in research and corporate life, particularly within the nascent renewable energy sector. However, this conventional trajectory was abandoned for a higher calling. Driven by an innate sense of responsibility, he consciously chose to dedicate his expertise and energy to full-time volunteer work among India’s exploited and marginalised populations. This choice was immediate and definitive: service was prioritised over salary, and social impact became the sole measure of success.
This profound commitment was tested early on. He famously declined a highly sought-after PhD scholarship from a prestigious European university—an aspirational dream for countless Indian students. His rationale was clear: the immediate, tangible need on the ground outweighed the prestige and distance of academic life. He believed that direct engagement with the communities he served offered a more impactful and essential form of learning and contribution than any institutional accolade could provide.
The Journey of Immersion and Insight:
To genuinely understand the complexities of life in India’s poorest and most neglected areas, Vivek embarked on an extraordinary, years-long personal odyssey. He walked thousands of miles, traversing countless villages, living on the ground, and gathering unfiltered, primary information directly from the source. These extensive foot journeys were rigorous, intense, and crucial to his methodology, ensuring his insights were untouched by bureaucratic or media manipulation.
This period was defined by intense marching, countless community meetings, and deep, profound discussions. Through this process of radical immersion, he engaged in direct dialogue with over a million people before reaching the age of forty. This invaluable, first-hand experience provided him with an unparalleled, grassroots understanding of the struggles, aspirations, social dynamics, and latent potential of the marginalised communities he served.
A Holistic Framework for Community Development:
Vivek’s work was characterised by a holistic and multifaceted approach to community development, addressing systemic issues across a broad spectrum of critical areas:
- Social Economy and Empowerment: He meticulously researched, understood, and successfully implemented concepts of social economy, establishing sustainable, self-reliant economic models that genuinely empowered communities from within.
- Participatory Governance: He fiercely championed participatory local governance, fundamentally shifting decision-making power from external bodies to the people directly affected, thereby ensuring accountability and relevance.
- Education and Voice: Recognising the transformative power of knowledge, education was a cornerstone of his efforts. Furthermore, he pioneered citizen journalism and ground/rural reporting, providing platforms for the voiceless and bringing authentic, often-ignored narratives to the national and international forefront.
- Justice and Accountability: He was a fierce advocate for freedom of expression and relentlessly campaigned for bureaucratic accountability, essential elements for transparent, responsive, and ethical governance.
- Equitable Growth and Revival: His mission focused on Tribal and village development initiatives, striving for equitable growth. He also dedicated significant energy to relief, rehabilitation, and vital village revival efforts, particularly in the aftermath of natural or social crises.
Pioneering Institutional Initiatives:
His impact extended to the establishment and co-founding of numerous groundbreaking institutions and initiatives across India, demonstrating his ability to scale local efforts into sustainable organisational structures:
- Social and Developmental Organisations: He was instrumental in establishing diverse social organisations that fostered collective action, community ownership, and sustained empowerment.
- Essential Service Provision: He played a crucial role in establishing essential educational and health institutions, ensuring access to basic services in areas of critical need.
- Economic Independence: To foster self-reliance, he championed cottage industries and developed effective marketing systems, providing communities with the tools for economic stability and independence.
- Community University Model: Perhaps his most unique contribution was the co-founding of community universities. These institutions offered accessible, needs-based education tailored to local realities, with curricula focused on practical areas such as social economy, environmental stewardship, public health, renewable energy, groundwater management, river revitalisation, social justice, and overall sustainability.
Personal Sacrifice and Dedication:
Vivek’s personal life was also shaped by his unwavering commitment to his work. Approximately fifteen years ago, he married an Australian hydrology-scientist, yet he remained on the ground in India for over a decade following the marriage, continuing his tireless work.
His dedication was deeply shared with his spouse and fundamentally shaped their family planning. They collectively made the extraordinary decision not to have a child until their presence in India was no longer critically required for the ongoing social works. This profound conviction led them to wait eleven years after their marriage before welcoming a baby into their lives.
His deep, reciprocal connection with the communities he served was undeniable. Hundreds of thousands of people from marginalised groups across India not only held him in high regard but frequently considered him a cherished family member.
Transition and Continued Global Advocacy:
Despite this immense accumulation of achievements and prestige, Vivek made the conscious, transformative decision to step back from full-time ground work to become a full-time father to his son. Prior to his departure from India, he exemplified his commitment to minimalist living and non-attachment by donating nearly all his possessions, retaining only a few personal items.
Though no longer physically present in India, his passion for social justice remains vibrant. He regularly contributes to journals and social media platforms that focus on critical social issues in India, maintaining a vital connection to the challenges and progress there. He provides invaluable remote counselling to local activists, sharing his vast experience and strategic insights to support ongoing social solutions. Furthermore, he is now deeply involved with several international groups dedicated to global peace and sustainability, broadening his influence to a worldwide scale.
Ground Journalism and Literary Contribution:
Through the various editions of Ground Report India, Vivek orchestrated extensive, often arduous, nationwide and semi-national tours. These intense expeditions covered up to 15,000 kilometres within one to two months, all driven by the singular objective of exploring and documenting ground realities across the entire subcontinent. His ultimate mission was the establishment of a robust, constructive ground journalism platform, underpinned by a strong commitment to social accountability, ensuring that the authentic voices and lived experiences from the grassroots were heard and acknowledged.
As an accomplished writer, Vivek authored the significant Hindi book, मानसिक, सामाजिक, आर्थिक स्वराज्य की ओर (Towards Mental, Social, and Economic Swaraj) https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/10168957. This profound literary work delves into a multitude of pressing social issues, encompassing community development, water and agricultural management, essential groundwork, and the critical conditioning of thought and mind necessary for societal change. The book has been widely commended in reviews for its practical, comprehensive approach, notably addressing the "What," "Why," and "How" of socioeconomic development in India, making it a vital resource for both practitioners and thinkers in the field.
