On Christmas eve, Goa Guv calls for promoting peace, tolerance

Panaji, Dec 24: Touching upon the current debate on intolerance in the country, Goa Governor Mridula Sinha today appealed to the people to uphold Jesus' message of tolerance and understanding while fostering communal amity.

"I think, an appreciation, understanding and practice of the valuable message given by Lord Jesus Christ of tolerance and understanding will help us eliminate the troubles and miseries created by intolerance and mistrust, and thus bring peace, happiness and solace to mankind," the Governor has said in her message on the eve of Christmas.

"Today, we find that the unity on the basis of the spirit that is common to all is being often thwarted by some people. Especially in a country like ours, wherein thrive all the religions of the world, we need to protect and conserve the unity of people on the basis of common spiritual and moral values instead of being too cloistered," she said.

Goa, where Christians account for 27 per cent of the total population, celebrates Christmas with great religious fervour. Sinha, in her message extended hearty greetings and good wishes to the people of Goa, especially the Christian brethren on the auspicious occasion.

The Governor said that on this occasion, "we celebrate with joy, the birth of Lord Jesus Christ, who bestowed us with the eternal message of love, peace, tolerance, compassion and brotherhood".

The message of the Lord has undoubtedly the greatest relevance in today's world, which is afflicted with many evils being practiced by elements inimical to peace and order.

The Governor further said it is on auspicious occasions like Christmas that "we should draw inspiration from the wise words of our Saints, Sages and Philosophers whose life and work had a deep impact on our life".

"Although we are living in an age of science and technology, seemingly oblivious of our past, we have still our strong roots in the ancient wisdom of this holy land."

PTI