New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the Christian community on Christmas at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi, the official residence of the Prime Minister of India. He also addressed the program marking Christmas celebrations, where school children presented a choir performance.
Wishing everyone, especially the Christian community, a Merry Christmas, the Prime Minister thanked everyone present for joining him on this special and sacred occasion. He expressed his delight in accepting the Indian Minority Foundation’s proposal to celebrate Christmas together and thanked them for the initiative.
Highlighting his long-standing close and warm relations with the Christian community, the Prime Minister recalled frequent meetings with them and their leaders during his time as Gujarat Chief Minister. He called his interaction with the Holy Pope a few years ago a memorable moment, emphasizing their discussions on social harmony, global brotherhood, climate change, and inclusive development to make the world a better place.
Noting that Christmas is not just about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ but also about remembering his life, message, and values, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of compassion and service that Jesus lived by. He said that Jesus worked to create an inclusive society where justice prevails for all, and these values illuminate the development journey of India like a guiding light.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the similarity of values between different streams of social life, which unite us. He gave the example of the Holy Bible emphasizing service to others, saying, “Service as the supreme religion. In the Holy Bible, truth has been given great importance, and it is said that only truth will show us the path to salvation.” He also mentioned the sacred Upanishads that focus on knowing the ultimate truth for liberation. PM Modi emphasized moving forward by focusing on shared values and heritage. “For the modern India of the 21st century, this cooperation, harmony, and spirit of Sabka Prayas will take India to new heights,” he said.
The Prime Minister mentioned one of the Holy Pope’s Christmas addresses where he prayed for blessings for those working to eradicate poverty. The Holy Pope, the Prime Minister said, believes that poverty harms individual dignity, which resonates with the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas. “Our government is ensuring that the benefits of development reach everyone and no one is left untouched,” said the Prime Minister, informing that many people of the Christian faith, especially from poor segments, are benefitting from the government’s schemes.
The nation proudly acknowledges the contribution of the Christian community, said the Prime Minister. He praised their contributions to the freedom movement and highlighted various intellectual thinkers and leaders. He mentioned that Gandhiji himself had said that the Non-Cooperation Movement was conceived under the patronage of Sushil Kumar Rudra, Principal of St. Stephen’s College. He emphasized the crucial role played by the Christian community in guiding society and their active participation in social service towards the poor and deprived. He also noted their contributions in important areas like education and healthcare.
Reiterating India’s resolution to become a developed nation by 2047 and the importance of youth in the journey, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for physical, mental, and emotional fitness of the youth. He requested community leaders to raise awareness about movements promoting fitness, millets, nutrition, and the campaign against drugs.
Noting the tradition of giving gifts on Christmas, the Prime Minister stressed gifting a better planet to future generations. “Sustainability is the need of today’s time,” PM Modi said, underlining that living a sustainable lifestyle is the central message of Mission LiFE, an international movement led by India. He reiterated that the campaign inspires pro-planet people to adopt a pro-planet lifestyle by reusing, recycling, using biodegradable materials, adopting millets, and buying products with minimal carbon footprint. He expressed his belief that the socially conscious Christian community could play a major role in this mission.
The Prime Minister also discussed Vocal for Local. “When we promote local products, when we become ambassadors of goods made in India, it is a form of service to the country. I would also urge the Christian community to be more vocal for local,” he said.
The Prime Minister wished that the festive season unites the nation as one and brings together every citizen. “May this festival strengthen the bond that keeps us united even in our diversity. May this occasion of Christmas fill all our lives with happiness. May the coming year bring prosperity, happiness, and peace for all of us,” the Prime Minister concluded.
Prominent persons from the Christian community across the country participated in the interaction. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church of India and Archbishop of Bombay, thanked the Prime Minister for his presence. He also noted that the day marks the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and spoke about his passion for good governance, drawing an analogy. John Varghese, Principal St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, as a representative of the education community, commended the Prime Minister’s vision, determination and large-heartedness as reflected in the new National Education Policy and other policies as well. Highlighting both local and global aspects of the vision of NEP, the Principal praised the NEP’s focus on school education. He also mentioned provisions like promotion of mother tongue and keeping the board exams limited to class 12 as progressive steps. With regard to higher education, he praised the sharing of resources and the promise of autonomy for high-performing institutions. He hailed the push for innovation, health and sports in recent times. Shri John Varghese also informed about the Young Leaders Neighbourhood First Fellowship programme by St. Stephen’s College and said it is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of neighborhood first policy. Touching upon India’s successful leadership at the G20 Summit, Varghese praised the Prime Minister for becoming the voice of the Global South. “India is a great Civilization, your steps and policies have shown splendid results. As a teacher, I see the benefits that our young people will gain through the steps that you initiated such as Digital India, National Education, Neighbourhood First Policy puts India in top position globally”, he said. He informed that in last night’s service at the college Chapel, there was a prayer for the Prime Minister as the leader of the country. Noting the Prime Minister’s love for the world’s oldest language, the Principal concluded his remarks with Tamil to the utter delight of the Prime Minister.
Archbishop Anil Couto, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Delhi thanked the Prime Minister for organizing the Christmas celebrations at his residence which signifies that is not just a celebration of the Christian community but a national feast. Amplifying the message of peace, love and unity, he wished for the well-being of all citizens of the country and fulfilment of the Prime Minister’s message of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’. He underlined that the Christian community has always worked for the welfare of the country and assured the Prime Minister of continued support towards the development, unity and progress of India. He blessed the Prime Minister with the wisdom, grace and strength of God to carry on his wonderful leadership for the nation and at the global level. He concluded the address by wishing everyone a Happy New Year and continued success for the nation and its citizens.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr Paul Swarup reiterated his happiness of celebrating Christmas with the Prime Minister at his official residence. Bishop Thomas Mar Antonios thanked the Prime Minister for the opportunity to engage in a dialogue and discussion with him on the auspicious occasion of Christmas. Cardinal Oswald Gracias said that the Prime Minister’s ideas are percolating down to every Indian and our country could be the leading country of the world. Archbishop Anil Couto expressed happiness that with the mantra of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, Sabka Viswas and Sabka Prayas, the Prime Minister is providing leadership to our country on the global platform. John Varghese, Principal St. Stephen’s College, once again praised the current policy of pegging the benchmark higher in every sphere and said ‘If India wins, the world wins’.
Alexander George, Joint MD, Muthoot Group highlighted the Prime Minister’s pivotal role in the transformation of the nation as witnessed not just by the Christian Community but every community in India, and the promise for a better future. Alukkas Joy Verghese, Chairman of Joyalukkas Group admired the Prime Minister’s down-to-earth, simple and friendly personality. Kurian Vargese, an NRI businessman from Bahrain highlighted the Prime Minister’s efforts to create a positive outlook for India not just in Gulf countries but all over the world.
Calling the Prime Minister a great leader, athlete Anju Bobby George praised the Prime Minister’s zeal for promoting sports. “I think in the near future, we will be at the top”, she said. Actor Dino Morea lauded the Prime Minister’s contribution towards the development of India and said that the country along with its people is moving in the right direction. Ashwin Jerome Fernandes, Regional Director, Africa, Middle East and South Asia at QS Quacquarelli Symonds said that PM Modi’s leadership has been magnanimous throughout the world and created a huge appeal for India. Kevin J. Kimtis, Second Secretary, Embassy of The Holy See Vatican underlined the Prime Minister’s dedication towards the Indian people where service towards them is the government’s priority. Bishop Simon John expressed immense happiness that for the first time, a Prime Minister had invited the Christian Community to celebrate Christmas at his residence.
Anthony Jacob, CEO of Apollo 24*7 said that he sees the Prime Minister as a kind-hearted human being and thanked him for the interaction opportunity. Sunny Joseph, Administrator of Christ University expressed great delight upon the opportunity and said that his vision for the future and his message have uplifted everyone’s spirits. Yakub Mathew, MD, Wells Fargo Bank, Delhi hailed the Prime Minister’s leadership style where he demands change.