All religions come together ahead of puja celebrations

SHILLONG: There may be different paths, but all meet at the religion of love, was the loud and clear call at the silver jubilee function of the Central Puja Committee (CPC) as well as its annual get together of harmony and all faith prayer organised on the occasion of Durga puja celebrations here on Saturday.
Several religious leaders, who spoke at the programme, hosted by Nepali Puja Committee, Lower Jail Road, stressed for peace and harmony as all religions call for peace and brotherhood among all the denominations.
Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Mukul Sangma said that the concept of organising harmony programme on the occasion of Durga puja is exclusive and unique to Meghalaya and this should be replicated by people from other states of the country as well.
“The situation in the state is different now than what it used to be in the year 2010-2014,” Sangma said, while adding that that peace and harmony has prevailed in Meghalaya.
According to the chief minister, the amity, which has been achieved, should not be dislocated and Meghalaya should sustain peace and even spread it across boundaries.
Pointing out the increasing number of tourists visiting the state, he said, “The peaceful state of affairs has sustained the footfalls of tourists so much that the hotels here do not even have rooms for the guests.”
The chief minister also released the Diamond Jubilee Puja Souvenir of Nepali Puja Committee on the occasion.
Earlier, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice and Corporate Affairs P.P. Chaudhary said that Meghalaya is becoming a role model with such programmes which bring different faiths and religions together. “There are always misconceptions about religion, but such misunderstandings can be removed by such programmes,” he said.
Shillong MP Vincent Pala, who was also present on the occasion, while lauding the CPC, said that event such as this does not divide but unite people for a better state, country and the world. Subrata Das, founder president, CPC informed the gathering the purpose of the formation of CPC in 1992. Earlier, religious leaders from different faiths spoke on the occasion and cultural programmes were also organised.