Gandhinagar, Oct 19 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday called for greater social harmony, mutual respect and brotherhood as he extended Vijayadashami greetings to citizens, urging people to work collectively towards unity and inclusive development.
In his message on the occasion of Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, Patel described the festival as a symbol of the victory of truth over falsehood and righteousness over unrighteousness.
“The occasion represented the triumph of divine forces over evil and offered an opportunity for people to overcome the negativity and inner evils that reside within them,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the festival would strengthen goodwill and mutual respect across society, fostering an environment of love, brotherhood and harmony among people.
Vijayadashami is celebrated at the conclusion of the nine-day Navratri festival, during which devotees worship Shakti, the divine feminine power.
The festival is associated with the victory of good over evil and holds religious and cultural significance across the country.
Patel said the occasion should inspire people to reflect on the values represented by the festival and work towards overcoming negative tendencies in their personal and social lives.
He also linked the message of Vijayadashami to the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, expressing hope that people would work together to promote unity, social harmony and development that includes all sections of society.
The Chief Minister’s message emphasised collective responsibility in building a society based on goodwill and mutual respect, with the festival serving as a reminder of the importance of truth and righteousness.
Vijayadashami is observed in different ways across India, including through the enactment of episodes from the Ramayana and the burning of effigies of Ravana, symbolising the defeat of evil.
In several regions, the day is also associated with the worship of weapons and the beginning of new ventures.
Patel conveyed his greetings to citizens on the auspicious occasion, expressing hope that Vijayadashami would strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and encourage people to contribute collectively to a more harmonious and inclusive society.
–IANS
mys/uk