Mail News Service
\nImphal, Aug 7 : The sadbhavna divas organized by state govt. was held at Secretariat South Block today at 10.30 a.m. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister O. Ibobi said, the day is being observed to strengthen the unity and oneness of different people having different cultures and identities Though the actual date of observation is August 20 the function was rescheduled owing to series of government holidays.
\nChief Minister, O Ibobi Singh, Cabinet colleagues, MLA senior officials took part in the observation at the State Secretariat. Those present took \u201cSadbhavana Day Pledge\u201d and they pledged to \u201cwork for the emotional oneness and harmony of all the people of India regardless of caste, region, religion or language. They further pledged that they shall resolve all differences among us through dialogue and constitutional means without resorting to violence.\u201d
\nSpeaking on the occasion Chief Minister, O Ibobi said we should fulfill the dreams of Rajiv Gandhi. He further said it was during his tenure as Prime Minister that the adult franchise was decreased to 18 from 21. Students of the Government music college presented devotional songs on the occasion.
\nChief Minister Okram Ibobi said \u201cunity in diversity\u201d exists among different communities in India timelessly has been threatened by enmity and violence by various communities .
\nIbobi lauded the late prime minister for his initiative which led to the ban on political defection in Parliament in 1985 following which the legislation could solve the problem of political instability in the country.
\nThe existence of unity in diversity among different communities in the country timelessly has been threatened by enmity and violence by various communities, the Chief Minister held, saying the observance enhance its importance at such time of turmoil among communities.
\nAdmitting that many lives have perished and a lot of properties destroyed and many wounded and incurred huge loss to the economy due to violence caused by enmity among different communities, the Chief Minister said such incidents have become a great threat to the integrity of the nation as well as a great stumbling block to the dream of Rajiv Gandhi.
\nHe also said, \u201cLet us pledge to take up our responsibility to maintain peace and harmony in the country and strengthen the unity and bond of the people so as to make his dream come true.\u201d
\nThe Late PM of India Shri Rajiv Gandhi is remembered by us as a pioneer who had brought a new chapter. He felt anxious as there is lack of political stability in the politics of India. Therefore he formulated to ban political defection in the parliament session of 1985.
\nThe unity in diversity which has been prevailing in India for a long time has been disturbed due to enmity among different communities and violence. He also appealed to take pledge to strengthen his dreams aims for the unity and oneness of the country.
\nMinister Govindas Konthoujam, Ngamthang Haokip, AK Mirabai, Chief secy. DGP and top officials of govt. dept. attended the function.<\/p>\n\n