Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma encouraged patriotism and pride in one’s own culture but not at the expense of mutual respect and tolerance.
Sangma was speaking here today at an all-faith meeting organised by the Central Puja Committee as part of its pre-Durga Puja annual functions.
Leaders from different faiths, political parties and other organisations attended the event at Kench’s Trace.
Speaking as the chief guest, the CM said that the galaxy of people from different communities and walks of life was, in itself, a strong message in favour of harmony.
“A lot of people talk about patriotism to me and try to give the colour of negativity by saying that ‘I love my people so therefore I will harm others’,” Sangma said. “There is nothing wrong in being patriotic and having love for your own people, religion, etc but the problem comes in when you harm others or look down on others just because you want yourself to look better. All have the right to follow their own principles, their religion but they should ensure that the respect that needs to be given to other communities and other religions is maintained.”
Earlier, president of the Shillong All Faiths Forum (SAFF), Bishop Purely Lyngdoh, observed that technology is mostly used to spread unpleasant news.
He stressed that technology should instead be used to spread good news, news that can bring people together and empower people to love and care for one another.
He said one side of every festival is that it is a time for joy and merriment while the other side of a festival is that it teaches lessons to respect one another and that acceptance of one another should be maintained and promoted at all costs.
