PM Modi with members of the Christian community during Christmas celebrations at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi. (PTI photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised the Christian community for its role in the freedom movement and in various areas such as healthcare and education, saying the country proudly recognizes its contribution.
Interacting with community members at his residence here on Christmas, Modi said the values of compassion, inclusivity and justice for all, propagated by Jesus Christ, also served as a “guiding light” in his government's development journey.
He praised the community for playing an important role in giving direction to society and sense of service, noting that Mahatma Gandhi had said that the Non-Cooperation Movement was conceived under the patronage of Sushil Kumar Rudra, the then principal of St. Stephen's College.
Modi also recalled his old, intimate and warm relations with Christians since his days as chief minister of Gujarat and said they have always been at the forefront of serving the poor and needy.
Many community thinkers and leaders were part of the country's freedom struggle, he said, adding that community-run educational and healthcare institutions across India continue to contribute greatly.
Modi said the life message of Jesus Christ was one of compassion and service, and he worked for an inclusive society where there was justice for all.
These values serve as a “guiding light” in the development trajectory of his government, the Prime Minister said, noting that the Upanishads, considered the source of Hindi philosophy, also focused on realizing absolute truth like the Bible .
In his remarks, Modi said people can focus on their shared values and heritage to move forward and the spirit of cooperation and coordination, coupled with the spirit of 'sabka bidas', can take the country to a new high.
The Pope, he said, had asked the blessings of Jesus Christ for those working to end poverty. The Pope's words reflect the same spirit evident in the BJP-led government's development mantra: “sabka sath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka bidas,” he said.
His government will ensure that development reaches everyone and that Christians also benefit, especially the poor and needy, the Prime Minister said.
Some leading members of the Christian community also spoke on the occasion and praised various initiatives of the Modi government.
Bishop Simon John said it was a matter of great fortune that a Prime Minister had called them for such an interaction for the first time. Archbishop Anil Couto praised Modi's “beautiful” vision of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' and said his leadership is recognized around the world.
Modi asked community leaders to spread awareness about his government's programs aimed mainly at youth, such as 'Fit India', use of millets and the campaign against drugs.
Noting the community's social consciousness, Modi said Christians can play an important role in his government's environmental campaigns to ensure a minimal carbon footprint and promote sustainable lifestyles.
He also sought their support for his “Vocal for Local” program.
The Prime Minister recalled his meeting with Pope Francis in 2021 and described it as a memorable moment for him as they discussed the means to make the Earth a better place and issues of social harmony, global brotherhood, climate change and inclusive development.
He expressed the wish that the holidays further strengthen the country, bring its citizens closer together and strengthen the bond that holds them together amid their diversity.
Modi has made concerted efforts to reach out to Christians. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organizes campaigns to connect with the community during its festivals, especially in states like Kerala where they are present in large numbers.
BJP president JP Nadda also visited a major church in the national capital on Sunday to extend Christmas wishes.
Modi has cited the party's poll numbers in northeastern states, where Christians live in large numbers, as evidence of its growing acceptance among them.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
First print: December 25, 2023 | 9:56 PM IST