OPINION: A Deepavali like no other.

from BUSINESS LINE, October 27, 2008 I am waiting to see in what mood the various strata of society are going to approach the celebration of this year's Deepavali. As at the time of writing, the observance is restrained, as measured by decibels of noise made by bursting of crackers. In previous years, the assault on the ear-drums used to begin three or four days before the day of the festival, and extend for another few days thereafter. This year, I notice, even on the eve of the festival, there is litt le sign of exuberance.

One could think of several reasons. Heavy rains, and accompanying water logging and floods, have meant utter misery to large numbers of poor …