Archbishop Rev. Dr. Peter Machado wishes a joyful Deepavali filled with hope, charity
Bengaluru: On the festive occasion of Deepavali, Archbishop Rev. Dr. Peter Machado extended heartfelt greetings and blessings to the people of Karnataka, especially to the Hindu community. Reflecting on the festival’s essence as the "Festival of Lights," he highlighted the significance of light triumphing over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair.
In his message, the Archbishop encouraged people to embrace the spirit of charity and kindness by reaching out to those in need. He reminded that acts of generosity and service can uplift the spirits of the marginalised, reflecting the true light of Deepavali.
The Archbishop also spoke of the values of love, light, and forgiveness, which are central to creating harmony in communities. Each lamp lit during the festival, he said, symbolises the hope to dispel negativity and hatred, paving a path toward joy, love, and understanding. He called for prayers for global peace and urged everyone to foster tolerance and cooperation to build a just and harmonious society.
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Christmas decorations vandalised by VHP activists at school in Nalbari; Tension in area
Nalbari: Tension prevailed in the Panigaon area of Nalbari district on December 24 after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly entered the premises of St Mary’s School and vandalised materials prepared for Christmas celebrations.
According to local sources, activists of the VHP and Bajrang Dal entered the school campus ahead of Christmas and raised slogans inside the premises. It is alleged that Christmas-related decorations and materials kept within the school compound were damaged and set on fire.
Eyewitnesses said that members of the Bajrang Dal were the first to enter the campus, during which they allegedly raised slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram,” “Jai Hindu Rashtra,” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and burnt items prepared for Christmas celebrations. The incident created panic among local residents and led to concerns over law and order in the area. No injuries have been reported so far.
The incident comes amid reports of similar acts in Nalbari town in recent days, where Christmas decorations displayed at several commercial establishments were allegedly set on fire.
Reacting to the incident, fact-checker Mohammed Zubair said on social media that VHP and Bajrang Dal activists entered St Mary’s School on Christmas Eve, raised slogans and destroyed Christmas decorations. His post drew attention to the incident and sparked wider discussion online.
Police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Further details are awaited.
On Christmas Eve, Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal goons entered St. Mary’s School in Panigaon, Nalbari, chanting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hindu Rashtra.” They destroyed and set fire to all Christmas decorations prepared at the school. pic.twitter.com/LQHV7FWUvz
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 24, 2025
