Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 26: Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Admiral D.K. Joshi and Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray have extended greetings to Islanders on the occasion of Onam and Milad-un-Nabi, calling for unity, harmony, compassion and collective progress.
In his Onam message, Admiral D.K. Joshi described the festival as a celebration of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, unity, prosperity and togetherness. He highlighted the significance of traditional festivities, including the colourful Pookalam and Onam Sadhya, as expressions of the warmth and cultural diversity associated with the festival.
The Lieutenant Governor also invoked the ideals associated with the legendary reign of King Mahabali, particularly equality, justice, harmony and the welfare of all. He said the spirit of Onam should inspire Islanders to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and work collectively towards peace, progress and prosperity.
Admiral Joshi wished that the festival would bring happiness, abundance and hope to every household across the Islands.
On Milad-un-Nabi, the Lieutenant Governor conveyed his greetings to the people of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and reflected on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, emphasising peace, compassion, kindness and tolerance.
He said the occasion provides an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to values such as mercy, humility, forgiveness and service to humanity. He also expressed hope that the festival would bring peace, happiness, good health and prosperity to Islanders and inspire collective efforts for the welfare and progress of the Islands and the nation.
MP Bishnu Pada Ray also extended greetings on both occasions, with a special message to the Malayali and Muslim communities of the Islands.
In his Onam message, Ray conveyed his warmest wishes to all Islanders, particularly the Malayali community. He said the spirit of Onam, unity, harmony, prosperity and compassion, should bring happiness and hope to households across the Islands.
Ray also underlined the importance of celebrating the Islands’ cultural diversity, urging people to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and cherish the traditions that contribute to the social fabric of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
On Milad-un-Nabi, the MP extended greetings to Islanders, particularly members of the Muslim community. He said the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) should continue to inspire people to uphold peace, compassion, kindness and mutual respect.
Ray expressed hope that the occasion would bring happiness, good health, prosperity and harmony to families while strengthening the spirit of brotherhood and unity among different communities.
The messages from the Lieutenant Governor and the MP come as the Islands prepare to observe the two important occasions, with both leaders emphasising shared values that transcend individual communities and contribute to the Islands’ tradition of peaceful coexistence and cultural diversity.
