Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 2: National Conference Provincial President Devender Singh Rana today paid obeisance at Sarv Shakti Chandi Mata Machail Wali Mandir (Maha Laxmi Mata Temple), at Pacca Danga and prayed for universal brotherhood, peace and prosperity in the country and the State of Jammu and Kashmir and well being of the people.
Interacting with the devotees, who participated in thousands in the annual congregation, Devender Singh Rana hoped that the people will keep the flag of harmony and amity aloft, as per glorious ethos of the Temple City, adding the unity in diversity has been its time tested and greatest strength,
He said the society has to grow in unison and spirit of camaraderie by isolating all those creating division, either due to ignorance or for vested interest. For this, he highlighted the crucial need of imbibing the spirit of selflessness and righteousness, corner-stone of every religion, saying unity and tranquility alone will help in isolating such forces.
“We have to fight collectively to all those who promote hate, which is not in consonance of our pluralistic ethos”, he said and urged the people, especially youth, to come forward and play their useful role in this regard. He said religious polarization is dangerous for the sensitive state like Jammu and Kashmir.
Rana complimented the people for upholding these traditions even during most turbulent time by maintaining the spirit of brotherhood despite attempts of fragmenting the society on religious lines. This spirit, he said, is not only to be preserved but also passed on to the posterity to sustain the harmonious growth the society as a whole.
He lauded the Sarv Shakti Chandi Mata Mandir Samiti, Jammu and Kashmir for holding the annual celebrations in a befitting manner and as per glorious ethos of Jammu.
The day was marked with performance of a Hawan and recital of bhajans and kirtans, which was followed by Bhandara.
Those who also paid obeisance, among others, included Dr D S Jamwal, Chairman, Sarv Shakti Chandi Mata Mandir and executive body functionaries Sanjay Gupta, Co-Ordinator, Vinay Sudan, Sanjay Gandotra and Thakur Vikas Singh Jawmal, Jang Bahadur Singh besides Dharamveer Singh Jamwal.