Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the teachings of Jesus Christ—centered on love, harmony, and brotherhood—during the Christmas celebrations organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) in New Delhi on Monday.
This marks the first time a sitting Prime Minister has attended a program at the CBCI headquarters, making the occasion especially significant as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the organization.
Key Highlights from PM Modi’s Address
- Warm Wishes and Acknowledgements
- PM Modi extended Merry Christmas greetings to citizens and the global Christian community.
- Congratulated CBCI on its milestone anniversary and reminisced about previous celebrations, including his visits to the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church and interactions with Pope Francis during the G7 summit.
- Interfaith and Diplomatic Efforts
- Modi recounted his meetings with Cardinal Pietro Parolin in New York and Cardinal George Koovakad, who was recently conferred the title of Cardinal by Pope Francis.
- Highlighted India’s commitment to humanitarian missions, citing instances of rescuing Father Alexis Prem Kumar from Afghanistan and Father Tom Uzhunnalil from Yemen.
- Human-Centric Policies
- Stressed that India’s foreign and domestic policies prioritize human well-being, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when India provided vaccines and medicines to over 150 countries.
- Reaffirmed the country’s commitment to ensuring global peace, progress, and prosperity.
- Role of the Bible in Shaping Values
- Modi quoted the Bible’s teachings of love, service, and carrying each other’s burdens.
- Emphasized these values as guiding principles for India’s developmental goals, ensuring that initiatives align with compassion and service to humanity.
- Development and Hope in India
- Over the past decade, 250 million Indians have overcome poverty, and the nation has ascended to become the 5th largest economy globally.
- Highlighted the progress in women’s empowerment, youth entrepreneurship, technology, and infrastructure.
- Nation-Building Vision
- Modi reiterated his government’s commitment to inclusive growth under the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas” (Collective Effort for Inclusive Growth).
- Mentioned various initiatives, including:
- Promoting millets (Shree Anna).
- Supporting local artisans.
- The “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” campaign to honor Mother Nature and motherhood.
Call for Collective Responsibility
PM Modi urged citizens and institutions to embrace selfless service, inspired by Jesus Christ’s teachings, and to prioritize collective responsibilities. He expressed confidence in India’s ability to achieve the vision of a developed nation, leaving a brighter future for upcoming generations.
“A developed India is our shared goal, and together, we will achieve it,” the Prime Minister concluded.
This celebration marks a significant gesture of interfaith engagement and reflects India’s diversity and commitment to unity.