Vijayadashami is celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian subcontinent. In some parts it is celebrated as Druga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura and for some others it remembers God Rama’s victory over Ravan. It is a significant example of victory of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma). 25th October is Vijayadashami this year and we hope the world will find a way to stop the most devastating pandemic that is ravaging across Nations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to join a global pact aimed at ensuring less wealthy countries to have access to COVID-19 vaccines. Wealthier Nations are focusing on securing vaccines for their own citizens, striking deals for the first doses even as data is yet to prove the vaccines to be effective. The WHO has expressed concern that wealthier countries hoarding vaccines for their own citizens could impede efforts to end the pandemic. In Hindu mythology there is an example of how the Gods came together to save the world when it was being attacked by an unrighteous person who was unstoppable by even the most powerful Gods of Vishnu or Shiva.
Mahishasura is the son of Sage Sindhudvipa and Mahishmati the daughter of Viprachitti the asura. He grew up to become very intelligent and powerful asura on the earth and received many boons from Brahma after years of tapasya. Eventually he became a threat to the existence of devas and humans. To counter the threat of Mahisha, Gods decided to create Devi to destroy him. From the fire mountain formed out of the flames of anger from the eyes of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shankar emerged the Devi, resplendent as a thousand suns and having three eyes, with hair black as night and eighteen arms. Every god present there gave her a weapon for each hand. Shankar gave her trident, Vishnu a disc, Varuna gave her a conch, Agni gave her a dart, Yama gave her an iron rod, Vayu gave a bow, , Indra a thunder bolt, Kubera a mace, Brahma a rosary and water pot, Kala gave a sword and shield, Vishvakarma handed her battle axe and finally Himavan gave her a lion. Minor gods gave her different ornaments. Thus Devi-rupa or form was completed, and she went on to destroy Mahishasura.
The COVAX global vaccines facility is a program designed to pool funds from wealthier countries and non-profits to develop a COVID-19 vaccine and distribute it equitably around the world. Its aim is to deliver 2 billion doses of effective, approved COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2021. For the betterment of the world we hope all Nations, wealthier included will actively participate in this noble cause and save the world.