Himvani
Shimla: White Christmas eluded the Hill’s Queen, but enthusiasm amongst the Christian community on Christmas in Shimla was worth seeing. Twenty three old churches in Himachal Pradesh were decorated and members of the Christian community offered prayers. The YMCA, Shimla too organised a colourful function at the historical Ridge Maidan to celebrate the festival with common masses.
A large number of people from all faiths were witness to the programme. On this occasion,the YMCA conducted a painting competition of school students on ‘World Peace and Love Thy Neighbour’ as the theme. As many as fifty five students in two groups participated in the competition.
The first group included the students of class 8th and 9th and the second from class 10th to 12th. The results were as follows: (in group one) Ankit Tanwar of Dayanand Public School- stood 1st, Preeti Negi of DAV School, Lakkar Bazar stood 2nd and Kritika Sharma of Dayanand Public School came third. In group two, Dev Vrut Vishwakarma of Sr. Sec. School, Lalpani, stood 1st, Deepti Thakur of Dayanand Public School – 2nd and Neha Rathour of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jakhu – 3rd. The members of jury were Dr. Him Chatterji, Ajai Srivastava, Shikha and Michel gave away prizes to the winners.
Naresh Scott, Secretary General of YMCA, Shimla said that the message of Christmas “is peace and love among communities and people.” He stated that the YMCA was trying its best to involve the youth in social activities for the welfare of the society. Among the other dignitaries who were present during the programme included Pastor D Rosers and Father Xavier.
The Christians also took a candle light procession in the city.
It was a consolation to read that
the people of different faith got
together and conducted a Christmas
programme at the YMCA. At this critical time of history when science
and prosperity is reaching higher
dimensions, something greatly lacking is love among people. I pray that the Love of God which was displayed
through Jesus Christ may reign at the
hearts of people so that we all live
in love and peace on this beautiful
planet. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL THOSE
GREAT PEOPLE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, THE
CLEANEST STATE OF INDIA. (from my
personal experience while visiting
several northern States of India by car in 2005)
GOD’S BEST FOR YOU ALL IN 2008.
A. S. Mathew
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