HYDERABAD: Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, who was visiting the Secretariat for the first time, and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao inaugurated a temple, mosque and a church in the premises of the state administrative headquarters on Friday.
The Chief Minister, speaking at the event, said that the state government had set an example by setting up places of worship of three different religions in one place, something that India should learn from. Having three places of worship in one place was a true symbol of love and brotherhood that everyone should emulate.
"We have set a best example of how people from different faiths can work together, pray, and live in peace and harmony. India can learn from this,” Rao said, to applause from the invitees who included ministers, MLAs, MLCs, MPs, senior officials and Secretariat employees.
Rao said that the state government was making all the efforts to preserve communal harmony and peace.
The Governor and CM participated in the idol installation ceremony and puja at the Nalla Pochamma temple after taking part in the Chandiyagam and Purnahuti. A special puja was performed in the adjoining Lord Shiva temple and Lord Anjaneya temple.
The Governor and CM took part in the inauguration of the church. Dr Soundararajan cut the ribbon and entered the church along with CM.
After Bible reading by Bishop M.A. Daniel, the Governor cut a cake and shared it with the CM and religious heads. Later, CSI Bishop K. Padma Rao and Bishop John Gollapally offered special prayers.
Secretariat Christian Association employees members Jacob Ross Bhumpag and others presented bouquets to the Governor and the Chief Minister and felicitated them with shawls. Bishops, pastors, evangelists and others from various churches attended the programme.
Bishops, pastors and members of Secretariat Christian Association employees thanked the CM for building a church in the Secretariat premises. “Unlike any other state secretariat, the Telangana government constructed a church to promote interfaith brotherhood,” they said.
Later, the Governor and CM reached the mosque built next to the church. Imams and Muslim clerics welcomed them in Islamic tradition. Dr Soundararajan cut the ribbon to mark the inauguration of the mosque, with Chandrashekar Rao at her side. The CM participated in the religious programme and special prayers. Home minister Mohd Mahmood Ali, MIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi and MIM floor leader Akbaruddinh Owaisi and other dignitaries were present.
"It is an auspicious and very happy time. Almighty Allah's grace is upon us and brotherhood should flourish in the state. The government will continue its efforts to maintain religious harmony. It is a very happy occasion that a new mosque with great architecture is built in the Secretariat premises. Temples, mosques and churches should be opened to reflect secularism that the country practices. I pray and hope that the friendly existence of all communities will continue forever. I pray to Allah that there will always be peace," Chandrashekar Rao said.
