Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 27 2008:
STATE CHIEF Minister Okram Ibobi has greeted the people of Manipur on the occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights.
The Chief Minister, in his message to the people, stated that it is a festival symbolising the victory of good over evil.
People celebrate the festival by illuminating their homes to dispell darkness and to evoke the blessing of Goddess Lakshmi.
He appealed to the people to celebrate the festival in its true spirit with care and concern for others.
Rajya Sabha Member Rishang Keishing and Inner Manipur MP Dr T Meinya have also greeted the people on the occasion of the festival of lights.
The two MPs wished that the festival would bring about understanding and strengthen the bond of love and closeness among the people and a peaceful and prosperous society.
Corps, Lieutenant General Rakesh Kumar Loomba and GOC 57 Mountain Division Major General Shakti Gurung have extended warm greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Diwali.
A press release issued today by the PIB (Defence Wing) quoted General Loomba as saying, "I pray almighty to shower his blessings on Manipur to bring peace, harmony and prosperity".
The press release quoted General Shakti Gurung as saying, "Let this Diwali herald a new dawn, bring fresh hope and promise; let it be a time for love and brotherhood.
We pray that Manipur may flourish and be blessed with everlasting peace".
President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, Gaikhangam in his message of greetings stated that the inner philosophy of Diwali festival is that like lights can destroy darkness, truth can destroy the wrong.
Let the Diwali festival clear the dark minds of men and bring love, unity and trust among the people of Manipur and make the state peaceful and prosperous.
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur and present president of MPP Dr L Chandramani conveyed greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba.
He prayed to God, as the day of Ningol Chakkouba approached, let the bond of love between brothers and sisters become strengthen and bring about peaceful life in the state.