Why we're celebrating this Diwali with 'Lists of Joy'

It takes one to know, journalists by nature don't court joy. We know, all too well, they make for weak stories on lean news days. They don't even go well with the banter, outside the office, while sipping on steaming tea. Least of all in press clubs, car-o-bars and dives, where the lights are almost always dim.

And it doesn't help that the pay is short, the hours long.

At the best of times, we're "media", and at the worst of times, "presstitutes". As purveyors of news, which points to all the warts and blemishes of the world, we often get accused of painting a grim reality. We're seen weak when it comes to engineering real change and instrumental when remote controlling collusion.

And sometimes, even justly so.

All this is fine, but where is the joy?

The joy that makes us do what we do, day-in, day-out, weekends included, off and on work. Where are the moments when we lean back on our chairs, cross our fingers behind our head, and feel at peace with the world?

As we went around the newsroom asking our colleagues what is it that gives them joy, we felt, just how imperative it is that joy shared is joy best realised.

This Diwali, we offer you our "Lists of Joy". We hope you, too, will share what it is that gives you joy.

May the light fall upon us.