SHILLONG: The Rilbong Sports and Cultural Club organised a pre-Christmas celebration at Rilbong ground on Wednesday to spread the message of peace and harmony among different communities in the city.
Stating that Christmas is a universal festival, president of the Rilbong Sports and Cultural Club Manas Chaudhuri said the programme was organised to help create peace and goodwill among different communities in Shillong as well as other parts of the state.
Asserting that the spirit of tolerance towards other religions should be extended, Chaudhuri said, “A lot of forces are raising their heads to establish their religious superiority.”
He added that the pre-Christmas celebration is meant to capture the mood of Christmas. “If conscience is right, Christmas can be celebrated continually. Christmas is in the heart, it is a matter of feeling.”
Meanwhile, Patricia Mukhim, editor of The Shillong Times, urged the assembly to maintain the spirit of love and let go of the spirit of vengeance while Christmas is being celebrated. Echoing Chaudhuri, she said there should not be religious competition among the people.
“It is important to have poverty of spirit and become humble to extend hand of friendship to one another,” she added.
Prizes were also distributed to children who had won in different games.
