As a part of the pre-Christmas festivities, AITC Chairperson Mamata Banerjee attended the Peace and Goodwill Concert, hosted by TMC on Tuesday evening at Windermere Resort in Shillong, along with esteemed dignitaries and guests.
The event began with a peace prayer by Father Richard of the All Faith Forum, followed by soulful performances by choir groups En Tribe from Nagaland, Abdiel from Mizoram and KHMIH from Meghalaya. Adding to the celebrations, Ms. Mamata Banerjee engaged in a host of fun-filled activities with children from different orphanages.
She also met with Tribal headmen from Khasi and Jaintia Hills, eminent members from the civil society and prominent influencers of Meghalaya based out of Shillong, who were a part of the august gathering. Upholding the festive cheer, the AITC Chairperson lit the Christmas tree and cut the celebratory cake. She thanked each and every one for being part of the celebrations.
“My love and best wishes to all the children, they are the asset and the future of our country,” Ms. Banerjee claimed, while handing out gifts to the children.
Noting how it was her privilege to be part of the auspicious occasion, the Bengal CM informed the guests that her government organises a similar festival in Calcutta. “Our government organises and celebrates the Christmas Festival with great aplomb and fanfare. I will be inaugurating the Christmas Festival in Park Street on December 21,” she added.
Extending her gratitude to the organisers for putting up this “beautiful function”, Ms. Banerjee said: “I hope Christmas and the New Year shows everyone a new way forward. I wish all of you to keep smiling as always. Be confident with whatever you do, and you will see the world will be at your feet.”
Later AITC leaders and legislators also distributed the gifts to the children. During the event as an unique gesture, the MLAs of the AITC made the children sit in their lap as the event passed on joyfully.
The evening came to a close on a memorable note with the message of peace and harmony echoing ahead of the holy festival.