It is my absolute pleasure to stand before you today and extend my heartfelt wishes to all of you on
the joyous and spiritually uplifting occasion of Navratri.
Navratri — which means “nine nights” — is one of the most vibrant and sacred festivals in Indian
culture. It is a time when we worship the divine feminine energy in all her forms — as Durga,
Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Over these nine nights and ten days, we celebrate the triumph of good over
evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
Even though you are far away from home — here in beautiful Ukraine, pursuing your dreams and
working hard to become future doctors — festivals like Navratri remind you of your roots, your
traditions, and the strength that lies in your cultural identity.
Navratri is not just a religious celebration; it is a symbol of resilience, devotion, and inner power.
As medical students, you face challenges every day — long hours of study, tough exams, and the
emotional weight of choosing a life dedicated to healing others. In a way, each of you is fighting
your own Mahishasura — the demon of self-doubt, pressure, and fear.
But just as Goddess Durga fought with courage, wisdom, and determination — so can you.
This festival also teaches us the importance of balance. The first three days of Navratri are devoted
to Durga — the remover of negativity. The next three are for Lakshmi — the goddess of wealth and
prosperity. And the last three are for Saraswati — the goddess of wisdom and learning. As students
of medicine, you can take this as a message to balance your strength, success, and knowledge — all
three are needed to become not just good doctors, but good human beings.
Let us also take a moment to be grateful — for the opportunity to study here, for the friendships we
have formed, and for the families back home who support you from afar.
Although you may not be dancing the Garba in your hometowns this year, or enjoying the
traditional sweets with your families, you are still united by spirit, by culture, and by community.
Let this Navratri be a reminder that the divine energy is within all Indian students — the Shakti —
to overcome obstacles, to rise above negativity, and to shine in everything you do.
So tonight, whether you’re studying late in the library, cooking together in your dorm, or just taking
a moment to reflect — remember that the light of Navratri is within you.
May Goddess Durga bless you with strength, Lakshmi with success, and Saraswati with wisdom —
not just for exams, but for life.
Wishing you all a joyful, peaceful, and blessed Navratri!
Shubh Navratri to all!