The managing director of Avon Cycles, Onkar Singh Pahwa stresses the importance of health this Diwali

Shivani Bhakoo

The managing director of Avon Cycles, Onkar Singh Pahwa is a simple and down-to-earth man. For him and his family, Diwali is a cosy affair. As he is 72 now, along with his wife Sarabjit Kaur, he prefer to stay at home on Diwali. At the same time, his two sons, Mandeep Pahwa and Rishi Pahwa, with their wives, Jasmine and Pallavi, attend parties and exchange gifts.

“The only message I wish to give the younger generation on Diwali is that do whatever you want, but in moderation. Be it drinks or snacking, health should be your priority. Enjoyment is for a limited time but good health lasts forever,” stresses Pahwa.

As for Diwali day, puja remains his priority, “We do Lakshmi pujan and light diyas. My father used to go to Amritsar to get blankets and sweets for the staff but with the changing time, the staff does not want these gifts. According to their service and designation, we transfer funds in their accounts as they like it more that way,” adds Pahwa.

Going down memory lane, Pahwa says that earlier sitting together and having sweets with the family was the main attraction on Diwali. “Even today, our entire family meets and spends quality time with each other. Though we do bring home crackers, my grandchildren, Aditya, Riyansh and Krishnav, feel that these raise pollution levels. We also donate generously for the welfare of orphans,” shared Pahwa.