Fostering solidarity through religious festivals

Representative from different inter religious group came together to participate in the closing ceremony of Prakash Parv, ‘Shukrana Samaroh‘ (Thanksgiving), the concluding ceremony of Guru Gobind Singh’s 350th birthday at Patna from December 23, 2017.

In the closing ceremony, representative from Sikh community shared about the activities undertook during the year.

Honorable Chief Minister, Mr. Nitish Kumar, acknowledged the immense contribution of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji to the Sikhism. He said, I bow to the venerable Sri Guru Gobind Singh, he was an embodiment of exceptional courage and immense wisdom. His brave deeds and noble thoughts inspire people across generations.

Honorable Minister recognized Interfaith platforms for development across people with different religions. He also indicated about the present religiopolitical situation of the country.

Fr. Frederick D’Souza, Executive Director of Caritas India participated in the ceremony to share about the role of church in development of peace and harmony. He also shared that this Interfaith platform contributes in a special way to build the spirit of dialogue and friendship which allows the followers of the world’s religions to work together to open new paths for peace in our human family. He said, it is the need of the hour to build bridges and to reconcile communities, and to enhance good relationship.

Fr. Fredrick also shared that, “inspires and sustains our efforts for peace, because it helps to deepen our reciprocal respect for each other as persons, strengthens the bonds of love between us, and spurs us to make decisive efforts towards promoting just relations and fraternal solidarity.”

The event served well for sharing the message of the Health, Hygiene and Harmony through festivals and religious celebrations and create a Swachh Bharat. It also inspires people to be the solution to the challenges our communities and our planet faces by actively protecting and preserving our environment and improving water, sanitation & hygiene (WASH) for all.