Tech opens the door to Unitarian Day celebrations

SHILLONG: The COVID-19 pandemic may have been wrecking havoc globally, but it has failed to deter faithful from celebrating the Unitarian Day on Friday, even if online mode were to be the last resort.
The Unitarian Church celebrated its 133rd anniversary on Friday by making good use of technology to reach out to its brethren.
September 18 marks the foundation day of the Unitarian Church in the state and it is a spiritual occasion where the members of the church get together to observe Unitarian Day by conducting services, torch procession, feasts, concerts et al.
Unlike yesteryears, feasts and torch procession, however, were not held this time due to the pandemic.
Speaking to reporters, president of Unitarian in North East India (UNEI), Rev Derrick Pariat said, “Our spirit was not dampened as we have technological support. There was a live stream at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm”.
Stating this year marks a unique celebration as the services were conducted online including a concert, Pariat said, “Everything is technology-based”.
Stating that the theme of this year’s programme is ‘All people are God’s children’, he said that the mankind must fight together against the menace of COVID-19 in unison and cooperate with the government.
Pariat informed that the frontline warriors, who were non-Unitarians, were also felicitated on the occasion.
In the state, the foundation of the Unitarian Church was set up by Hajom Kissor Singh along with three of his followers in the year 1887.
Pariat said that Singh is a learned man who worked together with noted Khasi bard, U Babu Soso Tham, in revamping Khasi language.