Team Herald
PANJIM: Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant have extended their greetings to the people of Goa on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.
In his message, the Governor said, “Diwali is one of India’s biggest festivals. Indians celebrate this festival by lighting diyas in their homes with great gaiety and enthusiasm irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Most importantly, this event represents the triumph of light over darkness. During Diwali, there are bright lights displayed throughout the entire nation.”
“Diwali spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair. I would like to say that festivals like Diwali have a greater role to play in our life. India is a country with different religions, regions and languages. The celebration of this festival helps in fostering social solidarity, mutual trust and goodwill among the people, thereby strengthening national integration and unity,” he added.
“May the celebrations of Diwali bring happiness and prosperity to one and all,” the Governor concluded.
In his message, the Chief Minister said, “On the blissful occasion of Deepavali, the festival of lights, I extend my warm greetings to the people of Goa. Diwali is a vibrant celebration that symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. People celebrate Diwali by lighting Diyas, to welcome Lord Rama.”
Sawant said, “Diwali inspires people and builds a society filled with peace, amity and brotherhood. People are united on this occasion by culture and tradition. This is a time to create beautiful memories, embrace forgiveness, and spread kindness. Diwali brings families and communities together to cherish moments of togetherness. The glow emanated by Diyas would brighten lives, while uniting the people to defeat all disruptive forces.”
“While we celebrate Diwali, let us remove the darkness of ignorance and lead towards the light of knowledge. I appeal to people to buy local products and celebrate the festival so as to bring new light into the lives of the local manufacturers in the true spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swayampurna Goa stressing more on ‘Vocal for Local’, he added.
“May the light of Diwali illuminate people’s mind and heart with the spirit of oneness in the State. I wish all the happiness and good health to all. Let the divine lights of Deepavali bring victories to everyone,” the Chief Minister concluded.
In his message Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao said, “On the occasion of the Festival of Lights, I warmly greet our Hindu brethren and, in my name and on behalf of the Catholic community of Goa, formulate sincere wishes for a truly joyful Diwali.”
The Archbishop said, “On the occasion of the Festival of Lights, I warmly greet our Hindu brethren and, in my name and on behalf of the Catholic community of Goa, formulate sincere wishes for a truly joyful Diwali.”
He said, “This Festival celebrates what every religion should stand for at its core, namely, the upholding of good over evil, of truth over falsehood and of light over darkness. On this meaningful occasion it is my sincere wish and prayer that we, the people of this beautiful land, coming from various religious and cultural backgrounds, may continue to spread the light of harmonious living, taking a stand against divisive forces, thus building an illumined society in which respect for all human beings and for God’s Creation is upheld and actively promoted.”