Author: nur

By Meenakshi Swamy, NU-REN Advisory Group Member

Diwali is known as the Indian ‘Festival of Lights’ that celebrates unity and togetherness across cultures worldwide. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil; inner light over spiritual darkness; knowledge over ignorance; and hope over despair.  

Significance: Diwali is celebrated for multiple reasons rooted in Hindu mythology, as well as Jain and Sikh traditions. 

Hindu tradition: The most popular legend behind Diwali is the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya celebrated their king’s return by lighting oil lamps (diyas) across the kingdom as narrated in the Ramayana. 

– According to the Mahabharata, Diwali marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura and the Pandavas returned to their kingdom after 13 years of exile.  

– Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) on Diwali. 

Jain tradition: Diwali marks the day Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained nirvana (liberation) in 527 BCE. It is a day of spiritual reflection and renewal. 

Sikh tradition: Sikhs celebrate the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, along with 52 princes from Mughal imprisonment, symbolizing freedom and justice. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is beautifully lit during Diwali to mark this occasion. 

How do people celebrate Diwali?  

Diwali is a celebration of life, values, and community. The lighting of lamps, the burst of fireworks, and the exchange of love and joy embody the essence of this beautiful tradition spanning across three to five days. 

People pray for Goddess Lakshmi’s blessing to ensure happiness and financial well-being.  

They clean and decorate their homes with colourful rangoli (patterns made from coloured powders, rice, or flowers), lights, and oil lamps (diyas) that are placed around homes, on windowsills, and in courtyards. It indicates a fresh start and the removal of negativity. 

Exchanging gifts, sweets, and greetings promotes love, goodwill, and harmony that strengthens relationships. The festival encourages acts of generosity, helping the underprivileged, and sharing joy with others. 

Diwali is celebrated to honour various mythological and spiritual events, but at its core, it is a festival of positivity, renewal, and gratitude. It reminds us of the eternal triumph of good, the importance of inner light, and the bonds of family and community. 

Join us at our NU-REN Coffee Meet on 28 November from 1.30-2.30pm, at the USB Cafe, when we will be marking Diwali.

NU-REN Summer Picnic

The Newcastle University Race Equality Network (NU-REN) hosted a summer social in the Urban Green café in Exhibition Park in July, organised by the NU-REN Events Team – Sajidah Saleem, Sanjana Medipally and Bunmi Eniola.

As the academic year came to a close, the aim of this event was to provide an opportunity for members and their families, colleagues and allies to come together to socialise and grow their network of peers across the University. 

Gatherings and networks like NU-REN foster a sense of belonging and wellbeing at work and are a great way to connect to those around you.  

Last month the network hosted a talk and discussion on navigating imposter syndrome facilitated by Dr Julie Scanlon, as part of their CPD offer. This sold-out event was open to all colleagues, with practical advice and suggestions to help ourselves and each other. 

Upcoming activities 

The network will be resuming their regular member coffee meets from October, details will be available on the NUREN website soon. The meets are casual drop-ins where you can chat, in confidence, with other NU-REN members and the leadership team, or just catch up with allies and friends. This year, the meets will have themes including book recommendations and mental health discussions to help frame each session and facilitate conversations.   

At NU-REN (Newcastle University Race Equality Network), we believe in fostering a sense of community, connection, and support among our members.

Following the success of our coffee meets last year, the meets resume with the start of the new academic year – an opportunity for NUREN members to come together, socialise, and get to know their peers in an informal and welcoming setting. 

Members of the NU-REN Leadership Team will be in attendance to welcome members, and vouchers to subsidise drink purchases will be available. This year we have added some suggested themes for each meet, to help encourage and frame conversations.

Dates for your diary 

Date	Venue	Theme
Wednesday 9 October, 10.30-11.30am Allies welcome	Courtyard, Old Library Building	Favourite books by Black authors This is to tie in with this year’s Black History Month theme of ‘reclaiming narratives’
Thursday 28 November, 1.30-2.30pm	Urban Sciences Building Cafe	Diwali celebrations
Tuesday 14 January, 9.30-10.30am Allies welcome	NUBS Cafe, Business School	Cultural exchanges: share stories, traditions and customs from your culture. Music, food and traditional attire welcome
Wednesday 12 February, 10.00-11.00am	Henry Daysh Building Café	Favourite places and local spots to visit in Newcastle
Thursday 20 March, 2.30-3.30pm Allies welcome	Courtyard, Old Library Building	Everyday kindness: Recognising and reducing micro aggressions at work
Tuesday 13 May, 10.30-11.30am	Dental School Atrium	Mental health: Making friends. caring responsibilities/parenting with or without your village

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s Coffee Meets to connect and share enriching conversations.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further information, you can contact us via: nur-ren@newastle.ac.uk.