Goans greeted on Diwali

PANJIM, NOV 4
CHIEF?MINISTER:?Extending greetings to the people on the occasion of Diwali, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has hoped that the festival of lights brings happiness, peace and prosperity to all.
Kamat said Diwali is not only a religious festival but is a unique opportunity to all to come together in a happy atmosphere. “The burning of Narkasur effigies besides having mythological reference, symbolizes victory of good over evil. Though Goa has achieved new heights of progress and prosperity, preserving our high traditions is uppermost in our mind,” he added.
Kamat has further appealed to people to celebrate this festival keeping in mind our responsibility to maintain clean environment.
GOVERNOR:?The Governor Dr S S Sidhu has also extended greetings to people on the occasion.
In his message the Governor stated that Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the country, which is widely celebrated by people from all faiths with unity, joy, enthusiasm and spiritual fervour.
“This unique and traditional festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and virtues over vices. Over the years, this festival has become an important event which helps in fostering social solidarity, bonhomie, mutual trust and goodwill among the people,” the message adds.
The Governor has also stated that this festival assumes greater relevance in these times when divisive and communal forces are attempting to vitiate the social atmosphere and national solidarity.
ARCHBISHOP: Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao has sent his greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali.
In his message, Archbishop Ferrao said: “We cordially greet our Hindu sisters and brothers on the happy occasion of Diwali and join them in their joy as they celebrate the victory of light over the powers of darkness.”
“There is nothing that unites the human family more than the endeavour of conquering the common enemy: the evil of darkness, whenever and wherever it raises its head. This sense of solidarity can only be nurtured in an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust and cooperation.”
“It is such an ambience that leads us to shun violence, overcome indifference and discrimination, paving the way for mutual cooperation, so that we can together address the unresolved challenges of our times.”
“May the community celebration of Diwali this year be a significant step in that direction,” said Archbishop Ferrao.
VASCO REPORTER ADDS: RAVI?NAIK: Home Minister Ravi Naik also greeted people of Goa. “The festival of lights will bring peace and prosperity to the people of the State,” he said.
He, however, cautioned the people of Goa that there were efforts made during last Diwali celebration to disturb communal harmony, but they could not succeed. “People of Goa do not give importance to such elements,” added Naik.
Francisco Sardinha: South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha also wished the Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali.
CPI: The Goa State committees of Communist Party of India (CPI) and All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) have also extended greetings to all brothers and sisters during this festive season and wished a joyous Deepavali festival, which symbolizes and brings along the glad tidings of freedom from bondage, oppression and evil, enlightenment, prosperity and peace.
GPCC: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, in its greetings, has wished Hindu brothers and sisters a very happy and prosperous Diwali. “Let festival of lights bring peace, unity and prosperity to one and all,” GPCC general secretary Altinho Gomes said in his message.
DSE:?The Diocesan Society of Education has also extended greetings to the managers, heads, teaching and non-teaching staff members as well as students of the educational institutions run by the society. “May this beautiful festival strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity existing among the people of this State and may we all come together to work for peace, understanding and cooperation among ourselves and in the world at large,” says Fr Zeferino D’Souza, Executive Secretary of Diocesan Society of Education.