Religious harmony, a hallmark of Pondicherry: Lt. Governor

By Our Staff Reporter

PONDICHERRY, JULY 15. The Lt. Governor, Dr. Rajani Rai, said the people have demonstrated faith in upholding the unity in diversity despite several odds.

Speaking at the Meelad Un Nabi celebrations organised by the Pondicherry State Wakf Board at Tirukanoor, near here today, Dr. Rajani Rai said Pondicherry had served as a meeting place of cultures of the world. Religious harmony was one of the hallmarks of the Union Territory`s cultural heritage.

She was confident that the people of Pondicherry would continue to foster the ideal of unity with renewed vigour. The Lt. Governor said differences in outward form need not disturb the unity.

She gave away cash awards to Muslim students who had emerged toppers in the SSLC and Plus Two examinations. The Chief Minister, Mr. P. Shanmugham, said it was really befitting that the celebrations coincided with the Agra Summit between India and Pakistan.

The Assembly Speaker, Mr. D. Ramachandran, said the wakf properties and also the properties of the Hindu temples should be protected from being grabbed by unscrupulous elements. He wanted such properties to be retrieved.

Mr. Ramachandran stressed the need for promoting education among Muslim girls and wanted separate schools for girls in rural and semi-urban pockets.

Mr. A. Anbarasu, the Collector, said the Wakf Board had granted funds to the Mosques for renovation works.

Mr. A Sherfudeen, secretary of the Wakf Board, Fr. Philo from the Villianoor parish, and others spoke.

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