Dussehra marks the slaying of Ravana, the epitome of evil, by Rama, the Maryada Purushottam. In other words, the ultimate victory of good over evil.

Ravana was physically eliminated because the dreaded demon deserved it. But his evil deeds remained on earth.

Ravana abducted Sita, but kept her in safe custody and vowed not to touch her without her consent. It wa long long back, in the Treta yug.

In today’s modern age, there is not just one, but many Ravanas, often disguised as Rama. They abduct hapless girls and women daringly in daylight, gang-rape them and even kill them.

The debate, who is more heinous, Ravana of yore or Ravanas of today, is futile.

The wise say that Rama and Ravana are not two distinct entities. They are either sides of the same coin. To be precise, Rama and Ravana resides within every human being.

Let the virtues of Rama emerge from within all of us and prevail over Ravanas.

Happy Dussehra!