Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh attended the Dussehra celebration at Mini Parade Ground Jammu which was organized by Sanatan Dharam Sabha.
Minister of State for Culture, Education and Tourism, Priya Sethi, Member Parliament Shamsher Singh Manhas, Legislators Sat Sharma and Rajesh Gupta, IGP Danish Rana, Senior BJP Leader Yudhvir Sethi, besides prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
“May the celebration bind the people in a true sense of brotherhood and motivate us to make renewed efforts for unity and progress of our country” the Deputy Chief Minister asserted.
Stressing on the importance of promoting and celebrating such religious events, the Deputy Chief Minister said that such occasions provide us an opportunity to introspect and further improve our attitude and behaviour to become a good human being.
Elaborating on significance of Dussehra, the Deputy Chief Minister said that this festival commemorates the victory of good over evil thus inspiring the whole mankind for creating a better world to live in. He said that this festival has great religious and historic significance as well.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the consigning effigy of Ravana to flames will not end evil from the society but a crusade needs to be launched against the nefarious designs. Such rituals should encourage us to contain evil spirit within ourselves to make this world a peaceful place to live in, he added.
Nirmal Singh appreciated the efforts of Army, Security Forces, Police and other agencies for fighting tough against the anti national elements and providing us a safe atmosphere. He also expressed gratitude to the people for maintaining peace, communal harmony and brotherhood during hard times.
Priya Sethi, while speaking on the occasion, said that the festival reminds us that those who follow the path of virtue, goodness and honesty always emerge victorious. She greeted the people and said that Dussehra marks the victory of forces of good over evil and fills the people with the spirit of brotherhood and amity. She appreciated the Sanatan Dharam Sabha for organizing the function in such a grand way.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister and other dignitaries performed traditional pooja on the occasion.
Various Jhankies were also taken out on the occasion which culminated at Parade Ground where the effigy of Ravana was torched.