By Naba Bhattacharjee
Central Puja Committee, Meghalaya is an apex coordinating body of Puja Committees and Hindu Institutions of the State, acknowledged by the National Commission of Minorities & Govt. of Meghalaya. This organization is also totally committed to reinforce the secular fabric through regular engagement aimed at building harmony and amity among all sections of people, belonging to different faith and religion.
The present status and credibility has not been achieved in a day. It has been a long, arduous journey, replete with dedication, courage and sacrifice of many individuals who gave shape and substance to this organization and steered the course during difficult times. It was not easy. The intent to start the journey was to negotiate the danger of getting lost and undertake measures to revert the atmosphere of disharmony by initiating efforts at regular interaction and dialogues aimed at peaceful co-existence and mutual respect for each others belief and views.
Central Puja Committee, Meghalaya was established in 1993 – a decade and more after the communal upheaval and social tension of the late seventies. The innate bond which existed for generations between the indigenous community of Shillong and the others came under severe stress during that period due to various factors, which in turn created a whirlpool of mistrust and tension, between the majority linguistic and few minority groups, residing in the State for generations. Performing both social and religious festivals like Durga Puja came under a cloud of uncertainty.
The gravity of the situation prompted formation of the Central Puja Committee with individuals drawn from different localities of Shillong. The primary objective was to foster brotherhood and harmony among the people of cosmopolitan Shillong, drawing inspiration from the catholicity which is true essence of Hinduism; or to be precise the Vaidikas or followers of the Vedas, since Hinduism is not essentially a religion but a way of life, with respect and reverence towards followers of all Faith. With this ideal, CPC embarked on a mission whose modest efforts were aimed at justice, truth, freedom of expression and worship. With passage of time activities of CPC extended to the social sector, involvement in humanitarian causes which include providing relief on several occasions during natural calamities and other catastrophe in addition to extending medical assistance and grant to the poor and needy. Such contributions to the society as a whole bear eloquent testimony to CPC’s noble efforts.
Notable intervention in this regard include development of infrastructure in the heritage Durga(Jainteswari) Temple at Nartiang, maintaining the traditional form of worship followed by the local tribal residents. The idea was also to promote religious tourism and generate employment for the local youth. In the field of environment CPC has been involved in many initiatives which among others include being member of the recently formed “Save Wah Umkhrah & Umshyrpi” Task Force. Further, since year 2010, CPC has taken up the cause of recognizing few unsung “Heroes” & “Achievers” both from within and outside CPC who has contributed immensely in their respective vocation and field of work in tune with CPC’s ideology by conferring them with the annual “Sarad Sanman” award. The fifteen recipients till date, hail from diverge background follow different religion and faith; but believe in humanity being above all other consideration.
Central Puja Committee’s total allegiance to secularism is manifested. In the all religion; all faith “Get Together For Harmony” being every year since inception, before the commencement of Durga Puja. The assembly of concord is aimed primarily to rededicate our commitment to righteousness, piety and all other human values which are threatened with extinction. It is a matter of pride for us that similar functions are emulated in many other cities of the country. All votaries of virtue need revival and CPC is committed to uphold unity and amity among all sections of people residing in Meghalaya. Our opportunities have widened; our work is growing; our responsibilities increasing. Credibility and esteem of CPC evoked are evidenced by warm acknowledgement. We have achieved success. But a great deal yet remains to be done. We need to brace for more exertion committed to righteousness of the cause – Humanity.
(The author is Working President; CPC, Meghalaya).