A Diwali Appeal for Global Peace — Let Every Light End War

Dear Comrades,

This Diwali, as countless lamps illuminate homes and hearts, humanity once again celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and peace over violence. Yet even as our skies sparkle for a few hours, the world continues to burn in the fires of prolonged wars. The joy of Diwali reminds us that light is meant to dispel darkness, not to mirror the flames of destruction that wars have set ablaze across the earth.

Much has been said about firecrackers polluting the air for a single night — a momentary rise of 50 to 100 percent in PM2.5 and AQI levels in many cities. But what remains almost unspoken is the grave and lasting environmental damage caused by continuous wars that scar the planet for years. According to global studies, military activities are responsible for nearly 5.5 percent of total worldwide greenhouse gas emissions — a share greater than the entire civil aviation sector. The Russia–Ukraine war alone has emitted around 230 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent since 2022, which is equal to the annual emissions of several European countries combined. Similarly, the Israel–Gaza conflict, within its first 120 days, generated between 420,000 and 650,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent, and when the future reconstruction costs are considered, the emissions may reach 47 to 61 million tonnes. Added to this are the severe consequences of oil spills, forest fires, chemical contamination, and the collapse of ecosystems and water systems — the invisible wounds of war that linger long after the sound of gunfire fades.

The environmental cost of war cannot be measured in nights but in decades. While the pollution from a festival lasts a day, the pollution from wars poisons generations. Hence, on this sacred Diwali, let every nation, every leader, and every human soul pause and reflect. Let the missiles be silenced and the guns laid to rest. Let humanity replace hatred with harmony and rebuild the earth with compassion. The true celebration of Diwali lies not in bursting firecrackers but in lighting the lamp of conscience that can guide humankind toward peace, prosperity, and planetary healing.

May this Diwali’s divine light shine upon the hearts of all — dissolving darkness, ending wars, and kindling hope for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

 Wishing everyone a Luminous and Peaceful Diwali.

-Bruhaspati Samal -

General Secretary 

Confederation of Central Govt Employees and Workers, Odisha State CoC and 

President

Forum of Civil Pensioners' Association 

Odisha State Committee.