There are a lot of commonalities between Punjab and Tamil Nadu including the happy coincidence of their major festivals falling around the same time, said Harbhajan Singh, founder-secretary, Developers India, an organisation that aims at promoting progress and amity.
Mr. Singh was speaking at an inter-faith event held on Wednesday to celebrate Baisakhi, Punjab’s harvest festival, and Tamil New Year.
Michael J. Gorbatov, vice-consul, Consulate General of Russia, said he had deep respect for the cultural variety and civil unity of the Indian people. “As it is harvest time, it's now time to receive the fruits for all the hard work done before,” he said.
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The Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, presided over the function, and Virendra Kataria, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, was the chief guest.
Swaran Singh, principal secretary and State industries commissioner, said, “Baisakhi is not a festival of Sikhs only. It is a festival of one and all.”
The organisation also honoured R. Gandhi, senior advocate at the Madras High Court, by conferring him with the Developers India’s Vibrant Indian Award in recognition of his legal performance and social activism.
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S. Jagadeesan, former judge, Madras High court, felicitated him.
P.S. Sachu, member-secretary, Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataku Manram, and Rev. Fr. Alangaram, director of studies, Jesuit Theologate, Arul Kadal, also participated in the inter-faith celebration.