Non-Christians jubilant on special Sunday
SHILLONG: It was a special Sunday for Christians as well as people from other communities who were equally jubilant about Mother Teresa’s canonisation in the Vatican City.
J.L Das, general secretary of Central Puja Committee, told The Shillong Times on Sunday that the State Government should make a memorial or name a road after Mother Teresa as a show of respect to the person who had embraced the poor and the ailing in the State.
“It was a proud moment when she visited Meghalaya. The government should also promote Missionaries of Charity,” said Das.
Paramveer Singh, president of the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara in Shillong, said Mother Teresa was incomparable. “She was instrumental in setting up the leprosy colony at Nongpoh and that colony has helped thousands of downtrodden by showing them light,” he added.
The Buddhists too were elated on the occasion. “We as an entire Buddhist community in Shillong are proud that she was declared a saint,” Shillong Buddhist Association president Sawpan Barua said.
Barua informed that the Buddhist association will organize a religious function on October 30 where they will offer floral tributes to Mother Teresa.
Jennifer Iawmusiang, a resident of Shillong, said the Mother deserved to be a Saint.
Politicians speak
BJP’s Meghalaya president Shibun Lyngdoh said on Sunday that the party has a lot of respect for Mother Teresa for her noble deed.
NPP leader and MLA James Sangma said it was an extremely proud moment not only for Meghalaya but for the entire country where the Mother had spent most of her life serving the poor. “Her services to the country cannot be measured and she touched the lives of everyone irrespective of caste or creed,” said Sangma.
Mother Teresa visited the State twice – in 1974-75 and again in 1988.
John Kharshiing, who met Mother Teresa during her first visit to Shillong, said it was a “memorable day” and that the canonisation was a culmination of her work. “I feel blessed that I was able to meet her and see when she came to Shillong,” he said, adding,
“This is a great recognition for all those who are doing voluntary services to the humanity in different parts of the world.”