Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 27 2008:
Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh have conveyed their greetings to the people of Manipur on the auspicious and joyous occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights which is being celebrated tomorrow.
In his message, Gurbachan Jagat observed that celebrated all over with great enthusiasm and gaiety, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after victory in the battle with Ravana and it symbolises the ultimate victory of virtue over vice and triumph of good over evil.
People traditionally celebrate this festival by illuminating their homes to dispel darkness and to venerate the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for peace and prosperity.
Joining the people of Manipur in the celebration of the festival, the Governor hoped that it would herald a new era of peace, harmony and prosperity.
Let the lights of Diwali eliminate enmity, mistrust, bickering, conflict and disunity among all the people of Manipur, the Governor prayed.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has also conveyed his warm Diwali greetings to the people of Manipur praying that the festival may bring peace, prosperity and happiness in our lives.
In his message, Ibobi said that Diwali festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing 14 years exile and the festival symbolises the victory of good over evil.
People celebrate the festival by illuminating their homes to dispel darkness and to evoke the blessing of Goddess Lakshmi, Ibobi said, while exhorting the people to celebrate this festival in its true spirit with care and concern for others.
GOC 3 Corps Lt Gen Rakesh Kumar Loomba and GOC 57 Mountain Division Maj Gen Shakti Gurung have also extended their warm Diwali greetings to the people of Manipur.
Lt Gen Loomba prayed to the Almighty to shower His blessings on Manipur to bring peace, harmony and prosperity.
Praying that Manipur may flourish and be blessed with everlasting peace, Maj Gen Gurung said let this Diwali herald a new dawn, bring fresh hope and promise, let it be a time for love and brotherhood.
IGAR (South) Maj Gen AK Choudhary, SM, VSM and all ranks of Assam Rifles have also extended warm greeting and sincere goodwill to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Deepawali.
Conveying his earnest message for peace, harmony, unity and understanding on this joyous occasion on behalf of all ranks of Assam Rifles, IGAR (S) wishes that peace and prosperity would prevails in Manipur and the Almighty Lord blesses all the people of Manipur on this special day of joy and happiness.
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, BJP Manipur Pradesh, Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing and Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya have also conveyed its greetings to the people of Manipur for Diwali and Ningol Chakkouba festival.