Governor and Chief Minister Participate in Sarva Dharma Sabha
Maintain Restraint, Peace, and Harmony in Society – Shri Deka
Our Unity is the Country’s Greatest Strength in Times of Crisis: Chief Minister Shri Sai
Raipur, May 10, 2025 / In order to promote peace, harmony, and unity among all religions, communities, and sects during the current tense situation, a Sarva Dharma Sabha was organized today at the Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan under the chairmanship of Governor Shri Ramen Deka. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai was also present at the meeting.
On this occasion, Governor Shri Deka, in his address, said that the current tense situation is not just a challenge of war on the borders, but also a test of the unity of our society, the tolerance of our culture, and the awareness of our citizens. It is our responsibility to maintain restraint, peace, and harmony in society.
He said that when our nation is going through a struggle, not only the soldiers stationed on the borders, but also the consciousness, unity, and resolve of every citizen of the country is the greatest strength of the nation. Shri Deka said that for centuries, India has been a country that has embraced diversity. Where methods of worship may be different, the basic spirit of humanity is the same in all. Whenever a crisis has befallen the country, people of every religion, every caste, and every class have stood shoulder to shoulder. Whether it was the wars of 1965 and 1971 or the Kargil conflict of 1999, our country has proved every time that we cannot be divided in the name of any religion, sect, or language. People of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, and all other religions live together in the country. Chhattisgarh is also a living example of this cultural coordination.
Shri Deka appealed to the people of Chhattisgarh to remain united and maintain peace and harmony. Now is the time to think about what we can give to the country and society. We have to stand united for the country.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, in his address, said that India is a worshiper of truth, non-violence, and peace. In today’s meeting, representatives of all religions have reiterated their resolve for unity. At this hour, we all have to show that we are united, and we salute the indomitable courage of the country’s soldiers. Our army personnel have given a befitting reply to the terrorists. He said that we need to be very careful at the present time. In such times, anti-social elements also try to take advantage. The Chief Minister also asked the people to be alert to the misleading information coming on social media.
In the meeting, representatives of various religious organizations expressed their views and emphasized the unity and integrity of the country. They spoke about respecting each other’s religion and following all the instructions of the government and administration to maintain peace and harmony.
In the Sarva Dharma Sabha, Shri Chandresh Shah of the Jain community, Shri Yudhishthir Maharaj of Shadani Darbar, Savita Behen of Brahma Kumari Shanti Sarovar, Sardar Amrik Singh of the Sikh community, Shri Firoz Gandhi of the Bohra community, Shri Diwakar Tiwari of the Brahmin community, Bhante Dr. Jeevak of the Buddhist community, Shri Kishore Maharaj of the Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Shivrupanand Ji Maharaj of the Bharat Seva Sangh, Sushri Sushma Kumar of the Bishop Diocese of Chhattisgarh, Shri Dilip Panigrahi of the Gayatri Parivar, Shri Abdul Fahim of Mutawalli Jama Masjid, and Shri Ranjan Banerjee of Kalibari Bengali Samaj expressed their views.
A 2-minute silence was observed to pay tribute to the souls of the civilians who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the war.
On this occasion, Principal Secretary of Scheduled Caste and Tribe Department Shri Sonmani Bora, Secretary to the Governor Dr. C. R. Prasanna, Joint Secretary Sushri Nidhi Sahu, Collector Raipur Dr. Gaurav Kumar Singh, and Senior Superintendent of Police and all officers and employees of Raj Bhavan, along with dignitaries from various religions and sects, were present.