Shillong, Aug 18: Sadbhavana Diwas was observed by state government officials today at Main Secretariat Building, Shillong.
While addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister, Dr R C Laloo said on this day former Prime Minister, Late Rajiv Gandhi is remembered with pride whose dream was to make the country into a developed nation. Highlighting the various achievements of the former Prime Mininister, Dr R C Laloo said that he continues to inspire the youth of the country.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said that the day is to take a pledge to strive together to promote goodwill amongst all with a spirit of sacrifice and selflessness. He also said that it is the duty of everyone to pick up from where our forefathers left to work for peace and cooperation in the region and the nation as a whole.
Chief Secretary, Y Tsering IAS said Sadbhavana Diwas signify emotional integration of oneness, communal harmony irrespective of caste or religion. He also said that differences can be settled through dialogue and discussion and violence is not the solution to resolve differences.
Later, the Sadbhavana Pledge of promoting oneness and harmony and to resolve differences through constitutional means without resorting to violence was administered by the Deputy Chief Minister to the gathering.
The Sadbhavana (having good feelings for others) Diwas or Harmony Day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary (20th August) of Rajiv Gandhi. On this day national integration, peace, love, affection and communal harmony among all Indians is encouraged.