Dimapur, November 18 (MExN): Nagaland Governor K. Sankaranarayanan while conveying greetings to the people on the occasion of the ‘Quami Ekta Week’ has called for rededication towards the cause of communal and social harmony. Pointing out that communal harmony was very important and crucial for the Nation, the Governor stated that this was more so as India was a nation of diverse communities and religions and regions living together. “Our strength and unity lies in our diversity. No nation in the world has diversity more than ours. Yet our constitution grants freedom to all communities and religions ensuring a spirit of unity amongst all”, Sankaranarayanan stated.
Communal Harmony week is observed from November 19 every year, in remembrance of the birth anniversary of Late Prime Minster Indira Gandhi. Sankaranarayanan pointed out that Late Indira sacrificed her life for the cause of communal harmony and for the nation and that befittingly, November 19 was observed as national Integration Day. “On this day we make a promise to the nation that we will stand for communal harmony and work for the unity and integrity for the nation with full dedication”, the Governor stated in his message.
Stating that the message of communal harmony had a special significance and relevance for Nagaland, the Governor highlighted that while Nagaland and its people represented the diversity of the Indian nation at the national level, at the State level, the Nagas have diverse tribes and people representing their own diversity. “The same spirit of unity and communal harmony amongst all sections of people cutting across tribal lines and isms is the need of the hour”, Sankaranarayanan stated.
He pointed out that with cities increasingly becoming cosmopolitan with people of diverse tribes, communities and religions living together, the Governor emphasized that communal harmony is a must in the present day context of peaceful co-existence.
“I call upon the people of Nagaland to nurture this spirit of peaceful co-existence so ingrained in our traditional and customary way of living since time immemorial”.
The Governor also stated that community institutions and community endeavors are answers to the evil forces of communalism and that with the true spirit of tolerance and brotherhood of mankind one can face the challenges being thrown by those driven by narrow and sectarian ideologies of communalism. “This would strengthen us as a people and ensure that we reinforce the spirit of communal harmony and national integration which is so very vital for nation building”, the Governor concluded.
