CPC organises ‘get together of harmony’
SHILLONG: Governor Dr. KK Paul on Tuesday expressed the need to end the ongoing violence and usher in peace in the state.
Speaking at the Central Puja Committee’s annual ‘Get Together of Harmony’, an all-faith prayer and religious meet at the Asom Kristi Kendra here, the Governor said, “All violence needs to be condemned and shut.”
The presence of several legislators, from both the ruling and the opposition parties, besides religious heads from various denominations, locality headmen, NGO leaders and others, added to the success of the get together.
Lok Sabha member Vincent H Pala, Home Minister Roshan Warjri, Chief Advisor to the State Government DD Lapang, Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Deputy Speaker Sanbor Shullai, Opposition leaders like Paul Lyngdoh and Jemino Mawthoh and former parliamentarian Dr BB Dutta, were among those who were present on the occasion.
Earlier the Governor recalled Swami Vivekananda’s address at the World Parliament of Religion at Chicago and said, “After giving his speech when he got off the stage, an American asked him why you have dressed like this and not like us, to which he replied ‘in your country dress makes a person whereas in ours character makes a person’.”
Emphasizing on the main objective of the harmony meet, Dr Paul said, “It is to coordinate the smooth observance of Durga Puja and other festivals that generates good will and brotherhood among all religious section of the society. The State should provide an ideal opportunity to bring all section together since festival like Durga Puja teaches one tolerance and respect all religious faith.”
The Governor commended the CPC for organising the Durga Puja festival ever year in an orderly manner, setting an example for all communities to follow.
Further, commending the efforts of the CPC in maintaining heritage sites in the States, such as, the Durga Temple at Nartiang in Jaintia Hills, the Governor observed that CPC’s efforts to bring all religion and faiths together with the indigenous faith is to manifest the economy of the State.
“The Indian civilization is over 4000 years old and it is an example of a continuing civilization, unlike the Greeks or Romans which is fading away. Our is a continuing
civilization and this continuity has given us certain values, a unique strength and most importantly flexibility and furtherance within the parameter and unity in diversity, which is specific to India,” he said.
“There is no ambiguity or doubt over the composite culture of India, the composite character is evident in our cultural expression.”
Pointing to secularism in the country, the Governor said that India has equal respect for all religion as each and every religion has some right, and emphasized that non-discrimination and tolerance are specific to Indian culture and tradition.
Lapang in his speech said that CPC’s efforts in organizing the function on the principle of Vivekananda’s religious tolerance would help in greater understanding of the importance of God and togetherness. Swami Achyuteshananda Maharaj, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Shillong, chanted Vedic hymns and spoke about Vivekananda’s words that all heads of religion are unique to its followers and to maintain harmony among all faiths.
An all-faith prayer led by the Governor that was accompanied by chanting of sacred words from the Rig Veda was also organised and participated by all who were present on the occasion.
The programme started with the National Anthem by the women’s wing of Asom Kristi Kendra, Durga Puja Committee, group dance and Bihu dance, among others. OP Agarwal, president, CPC delivered the presidential address.
The function was dedicated to the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda