Lets not be Conformed to this Galaxy, but lets Transform this our Galaxy

                                                     Sankrama Kranthi is Sankranthi

As the New Year has dawn, a new season of joy and happiness ushers every mind and thought, and life is celebrated. When Christians celebrated the “Epiphany” on the 6th of January, the manifestation of the divine light to the nations far and wide was reaffirmed. The immediate festival that arrives in the New Year and in the Indian sociological calendar is “Sankranthi”, the festival that is celebrated in all splendor and grandeur in several places and specially in my town Bhimavaram. This festival in my town is when all my childhood friends gather to celebrate the gift of friendship. Let me wish all my friends celebrating this festival a very 'Happy Sankranthi.' 

As a student of religion, when i was thinking of this festival, these are the thoughts that come into my mind. I have read that there are 'samajik samrastha' (social harmony) programmes being organised for the occasion. Social harmony is established only when 'social justice' is established. In India that is possible when caste is annihilated and equality & dignity of people is affirmed. I was thinking the call is to transform this world, but after watching 'Star Wars - The Force Awakens' i think world should be replaced by 'galaxy' for is life and life forms in the entire galaxies. 'May that Force of transformation be with you.'

The Sun’s entry into each house is called “Sankramana” and “Kranthi” means ‘transformation through light’. Therefore “Sankranthi” is the festival that brings in a change and transformation into every house irrespective of who they are, for sun belongs to all people for the Sun brings in new smiles and cheer to every household.

When our world today is caught up in several chaotic conditions and situations, which are beyond repair and cure, this festival “Sankranthi” is a challenge to bring in a transformation and change into our life situations.

· In the context of rapid climatic changes to our planet earth caused by our human greed and domination, the festival of “Sankranthi” is a challenge and a chance for safeguarding our planet with care and to bring in transformational light into our galaxies. 

· In the context of phenomenal changes in the geo-political levels, where the rich continue to become richer and the poor becoming poorer, the festival of “Sankranthi” is a challenge and a chance for breaking the inequality and inequity among the rich and the poor and to bring in transformational light into our world. 

· In the context of vigorous discriminations and oppressions in the name of caste, creed, gender, religion, region etc, the festival of “Sankranthi” is a challenge and a chance to build in just and inclusive communities, where justice & peace will flow down like never ending streams, and to bring in a transformational light into our context.

· In the context of rising intolerance, fermenting fundamentalism and fanaticism among religions, where enmity, violence and bloodshed have become the norm, the festival of “Sankranthi” is a challenge and a chance to build friendship among religions, jointly addressing issues of injustices and violation of human rights and to bring in a transformational light into our vicinity.

May this season and festival of “Sankranthi” challenge each one of us to become the beacons of light and transformation. May we be enlightened to join hands in lightening our societies, and may we be the change makers bringing in transformation. Enjoy the festival and live for transformation. 'May that Force of transformation be with you all.'