Nurturing the Light Within
On my way to work this week, my playlist surprised me with a song that instantly lifted my heart: “Roobaroo Roshni” from Rang De Basanti. There’s something magical about this song. It just seeps into your spirit. The lyrics speak of light breaking through darkness, of an awakening that feels both personal and universal. Listening to it reminded me of a truth we often forget: there is a light within each of us, warm, radiant, and waiting to shine.
This inner light is the essence of who we are. For some, it’s creativity, for others, kindness, resilience, or courage. Sometimes it shows up in the quietest of ways: in how you comfort a friend, how you persist despite setbacks, or how you bring laughter into a room. Each one of us carries this glow which is steady, powerful, enduring and it is this light that makes us unique and beautiful.
The challenge, though, is nurturing it. Like a flame, our inner light needs care. If we ignore it by burying ourselves in endless scrolling, comparisons, or overwork; it flickers. But when we give it fuel with moments of stillness, acts of kindness, courage to take a risk, or even laughter shared with friends; it grows brighter. Nurturing this inner light doesn’t mean chasing perfection. It means embracing the messy, human process of showing up as we are: vulnerable, learning, unlearning, and evolving. It could be something as simple as giving yourself a pause in a busy day, practicing kindness when it’s least expected, picking up a forgotten passion, or choosing to forgive. Every small act is like oxygen to the flame, making it burn brighter.
I believe finding this light would mean experiencing the same feeling you get when you finally discover what you’re meant to do, or when love replaces doubt. And the best part is, when we allow our inner light to shine, it doesn’t stay limited to us. It spills over, brightening the lives of those around us. Think of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, his brilliance wasn’t just in science and innovation, but in the way he inspired millions of young people to dream big and believe in themselves. His words and actions carried a light that still guides generations. In the same way, when someone’s optimism lifts an entire room, or their compassion leaves you inspired to be better, their light becomes contagious and in their glow, you often find your own spark coming alive.
So, how do we nurture this inner light in our everyday lives? It doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. We can start small: by pausing to practice gratitude, by showing kindness when it’s least expected, by pursuing a hobby that makes us feel alive, or by simply giving ourselves the permission to rest and recharge. Reading an inspiring book, journaling our thoughts, spending time in nature, or even helping a neighbor can be powerful ways to fuel that flame.
Most importantly, nurturing our inner light means being true to ourselves: listening to our heart, honoring our values, and showing up with authenticity. Each small act of care, courage, and compassion adds to the glow, making our light not only brighter for us, but also for everyone around us
