PANAJI: Governor Dr Mridula Sinha and the Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferrão have conveyed their wishes to the people of Goa on the occasion of New Year 2018.
In her message, the Governor said, “On this auspicious and joyous occasion of New Year, I extend my heartiest and best wishes to the people of Goa. The whole world celebrates New Year with great enthusiasm and energy. People from various walks of life welcome the New Year in their own hearty ways. It is a day which brings joy and happiness all around. Today, we are stepping into yet another year in our life. This is an important occasion to reflect on the year gone by and prepare ourselves to embrace the future. It is on such seminal occasions that we should try to diffuse differences, forget bitterness and foster love and friendship between the members of the society. While ushering in the New Year, we should also renew our commitment to live in peace, harmony and unity.”
The Governor has appealed to the people to continue maintaining the existing social harmony and peace, so as to reach newer heights of development in Goa.
She said, “Goa has a reputation of being a peaceful state. People belonging to different religions do not only live here in complete harmony but also rejoice other’s company. Different festivals are celebrated here with equal enthusiasm and people from different castes, backgrounds and religions work in perfect harmony with each other.”
The Governor urged the people of Goa to take a New Year resolution by making sincere efforts for making Goa the cleanest state and be a role model for others.
“May this year bring greater peace, happiness and prosperity to everyone,” the Governor concludes.
In his New Year message, Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferrão said, “We are still in the festive season of Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the ‘Prince of Peace.’ At the dawn of the New Year of 2018, I would like to convey my warm greetings and best wishes to the people of our beloved state, praying that God may inspire and help us to be agents of peace, justice and harmony among the various communities. In the midst of challenges like individualism, indifference towards other people’s faith and culture and resistance to join together in fighting common causes, I pray that we may all work together to build a more peaceful, secular and harmonious society in our state. A truly happy and grace-filled New Year to all!”