Students of Karim City College perform on the concluding day of the Communal Harmony Week. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Jamshedpur, Nov. 26: Every institution in the country celebrates the Independence or Republic Day but few know about the communal harmony week or observe it to propagate the message of unity in diversity.

At this time, when people are fighting against each other in the name of religion, celebrating communal harmony week becomes important. Taking this idea, the National Service Scheme (NSS) wing of Karim City College observed it on its premises. The event concluded today.

Patriotic song, speech and slogan writing competitions were part of the week-long programme.

“It was not compulsory for us to celebrate the week but we took it as an opportunity to tell our students how important communal harmony is, especially at a time like this. The phrase ‘unity in diversity’ specially applies to a country like India, as it is multi-lingual and multi-religious society. But some people are trying to disturb the secular atmosphere of the country,” said Yahiya Ibrahim, a teacher of Karim City College.

The teachers feel that students are the torchbearers of the society and it is necessary to inculcate the feeling of peace and harmony among the youths.

The college authorities believe by observing events like these, a feeling of unity would be inculcated among students.

“We are living in a country where a Hindu celebrates Id like a Muslim and other communities celebrate every other festival. It is this feeling that should be strengthened rather than create differences. We are proud of our country and the next generation should also understand and learn about it,” said Jyoti Kumar, the registrar of Ranchi University, the chief guest on the concluding day.

The programme was not limited to celebrations only. The students, teachers and staff of the college donated around Rs 8,000 to the National Foundation of Communal Harmony, New Delhi, to take care of children who were orphaned during communal violence and riots. This money would help them in their upbringing.

“Each and every person has contributed voluntarily. Most of the students have donated from their pocket money .We feel good that our money will be used to help hapless children,” said Ibrahim.