Shillong, Oct 14 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday called for communal harmony, secularism and mutual respect, saying that loving one’s own community should never translate into hatred towards others.
Addressing the centenary celebration of The Meghalaya Hindu Mission at Mawprem in Shillong, Sangma said that unity and respect for diverse faiths and cultures were essential for the progress and well-being of society.
“We should love our community, but never hate others,” the Chief Minister said, emphasising that every community contributes to Meghalaya’s social fabric and plays an important role in the state’s development.
Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai and MLA Paul Lyngdoh were also present at the programme.
Sangma praised the Mission for its century-long philanthropic work, noting that organisations committed to public service help strengthen peace, harmony and understanding across communities.
Referring to the state government’s work over the past eight years, the Chief Minister said its welfare initiatives had been directed towards all citizens, irrespective of their community or background.
“Every religion shares a common message of service and brotherhood,” Sangma said, welcoming the participation of diverse cultural groups, including indigenous communities, in the centenary celebration.
He also urged young people to translate the message of the occasion into everyday action, saying that compassion, honesty and helping those in need were common values shared by different faiths.
The Meghalaya Hindu Mission was established in 1926 as the Hindu Sammelan Anath Ashram to support vulnerable sections of society and promote social welfare.
Its founding objectives included establishing an orphanage for destitute children, setting up schools and libraries for needy students, combating untouchability and other social practices, and imparting vocational skills to women to encourage self-reliance.
Over the decades, the Mission has also contributed land for public and community purposes.
Around 27,425 square feet has been ceded for various uses, including land for the Mawprem Presbyterian Church and the widening of Mawprem Road.
The Mission’s Homes for Boys and Girls at Lower Mawprem are registered Child Care Institutions under the Juvenile Justice Act.
They provide children requiring care and protection with shelter, food, clothing, education, medical care and recreational facilities, with support from government child-maintenance grants.
–IANS
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