GUWAHATI, Aug 16 - Urging people not to politicise the issue of desecration of the statue of Don Bosco at Bharalumukh on August 7 by vandals, the Don Bosco Society (DBS) today said that it extended �unconditional forgiveness to those who acted out of ignorance or malice.�
It also called for an early end to the debate on the matter in the media and other forums.
�As followers of Christ and of Don Bosco, we extend our unconditional forgiveness to those who acted out of ignorance or malice. Now that the bicentennial celebrations have come to an end, the setting up of a statue of Don Bosco at a public place has lost its significance and relevance,� the Society said in a statement.
Stating that the effort to install a statue of the great soul at a public place in Guwahati was initiated by the members of the DBS, and that it was motivated by the sole desire to honour a great educator-saint on the occasion of his 200th birth anniversary, the Society said that the desecration of the statue was sad and unfortunate.
�We are pained to see some sections of the population trying to get mileage out of this unfortunate incident. As Don Bosco is above politics, we appeal to such people not to politicise the issue any further. We also appeal for an early end to the debate on this matter in the media and other forums,� it added.
In spite of the disheartening incident, the Society said, it has resolved to go on with its services to the youth and masses with undiminished passion and dedication.
�We are touched by the support we received from the State Government and civil society, cutting across all religious and political affiliations. We reiterate our commitment to the best interest of the youths who are enrolled in our educational institutions or are beneficiaries of our child-centric and child-friendly social service activities as well as our capacity building services targeting the rural population,� it said.
The solemn celebrations of the 200th birth anniversary of St John Bosco (popularly known as Don Bosco) officially ended in the State along with the rest of the world on Sunday.
