PM Modi at Christmas celebrations organized by CBCI

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Updated: December 24, 2024 01:02 EAST

New Delhi [India]December 24 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the teachings of Jesus Christ celebrate love, harmony and brotherhood and it is important for people to work to make this spirit stronger.
Prime Minister Modi participated in the Christmas celebrations organized by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) at the CBCI Center premises.
This is the first time that a Prime Minister has participated in such a program at the headquarters of the Catholic Church in India. The Prime Minister also interacted with key leaders of the Christian community, including cardinals, bishops and prominent Church leaders.
Wishing a Merry Christmas to the citizens of the country and the Christian community across the world, the Prime Minister said that a few days ago he attended the Christmas celebration at the residence of Union Minister George Kurian and that today he is honored to join everyone for this event organized by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI).
“This occasion is particularly special as it marks the 80th anniversary of the CBCI,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated the CBCI and all those associated with it for this remarkable milestone.
He recalled that he celebrated Christmas with CBCI at the Prime Minister's residence and today everyone is gathered at the CBCI campus.
“I also visited the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church this Easter and I am grateful for the warmth I receive from all of you. I feel the same affection from His Holiness Pope Francis, whom I met earlier this year at the G7 summit in Italy “-our second meeting in three years, I invited him to visit India,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister said that during his trip to New York in September he met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin. These spiritual encounters inspire and strengthen commitment to service, he said.
The Prime Minister recalled his recent meeting with Cardinal George Koovakad, on whom Pope Francis recently conferred the title of cardinal. The Prime Minister said the Indian government, led by Union Minister George Kurian, had sent a high-level delegation to the event. “When an Indian achieves such success, the entire country becomes proud. I once again congratulate Cardinal George Kwakad on this remarkable achievement,” Prime Minister Modi said.
The Prime Minister also recalled many memories, especially the rewarding moments when Father Alexis Prem Kumar was rescued from war-torn Afghanistan a decade ago.
He stressed that Father Alexis Prem Kumar had been held hostage for eight months and that, despite the difficult situation, the government had done everything possible to bring him home safely.
“I will never forget the joy in his family's voices when we succeeded. Likewise, when Father Tom was taken hostage in Yemen, we also worked tirelessly to bring him back, and I had the “I have the honor of inviting him to my home. Our efforts for Crisis Rescue Nurses in the Gulf have been equally strenuous and successful,” the Prime Minister said.
He reiterated that these efforts were not only about diplomatic missions but also emotional commitments to bring back family members. Today's India, no matter where an Indian is, considers it its duty to rescue him in times of crisis.
The Prime Minister emphasized that India's foreign policy prioritizes human interests alongside national interests, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While many countries focused on their own interests, India selflessly helped more than 150 countries, sending them medicines and vaccines. This has had a positive impact globally, with countries like Guyana expressing their deep gratitude. Many island countries, Pacific countries and Caribbean countries also commend India for its humanitarian efforts. India's people-centric approach is set to uplift the world in the 21st century.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the teachings of Lord Christ emphasize love, harmony and brotherhood. And it saddens him when violence and disruption spread through society, as seen recently at a Christmas market in Germany and during the 2019 Easter attacks in Sri Lanka.
PM Modi said this Christmas is more special. “The Holy Bible considers hope as a source of strength and peace. We are also guided by hope and positivity. Hope for humanity, hope for a better world and hope for peace, progress and prosperity,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted that over the past ten years, 250 million people in India have overcome poverty, fueled by the hope of possible victory over poverty. India has also grown from the tenth to the fifth largest economy in the world.
This period of development has brought new hope for the future, with opportunities for young people in various fields such as start-ups, science, sports and entrepreneurship. “India's confident youth are leading the country towards progress, giving us hope that the dream of a developed India will come true,” the Prime Minister added.
He highlighted that over the last 10 years, Indian women have become remarkably empowered, excelling in areas such as entrepreneurship, drones, aviation and the armed forces. Their progress shows that no country can progress without empowering women. He said that as more women join the job market and professional workforce, it brings new hope for India's future.
The Prime Minister highlighted that over the last 10 years, India has made significant progress in under-explored sectors like mobile phone and semiconductor manufacturing, thereby positioning itself as a global technology hub. He said the country was empowering the poor through technology and fintech while building infrastructure at an unprecedented pace, with new highways, rural roads and metro lines. These achievements inspire hope and optimism for India's future, and the world now views India with equal confidence in its rapid growth and potential.
The prime minister said the Bible teaches people to bear each other's burdens, “encouraging us to care for one another and take responsibility for each other's well-being.”
“With this mindset, institutions and organizations play a crucial role in social service, whether by establishing new schools, uplifting communities through education, or implementing health initiatives for serve the public. He said these efforts are seen as collective responsibilities.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Jesus Christ showed the world the way of compassion and selfless service.
“We celebrate Christmas and remember Jesus so that we can integrate these values ​​into our lives and always prioritize our duties,” he said, adding that it is not only our personal responsibility but also a social duty.
“Today, the nation is moving forward in this spirit, through the resolution of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas'. There were many topics that had never been thought of before, but they were the most necessary to We have taken government out of rigid rules and formalities. We have set sensitivity as a parameter by ensuring that every poor person has a permanent house. 'electricity, by eliminating darkness from people's lives, providing clean water and ensuring that no one is deprived of treatment due to lack of money. We have created a sensitive system that can guarantee. such services and governance,” PM Modi added.
He said initiatives such as promotion of millet (Shree Anna), support for local artisans and the 'Ek Ped Maa ke naam' campaign, which honors “both Mother Nature and our mothers”, are gaining momentum. magnitude. Many members of the Christian community are also actively involved in these efforts. These collective actions are essential to building a developed India.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that collective efforts will propel the country forward.
“A developed India is our common goal, and together we will achieve it. It is our responsibility to ensure that we leave a brighter India for future generations,” he said. (ANI)