Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, emphasised shared values of the Bible, the message of Jesus Christ’s life and texts like the Upanishads, in taking the country forward in the spirit of cooperation, at a meeting with prominent members of the Christian community at his official residence, 7, Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi.
In what is a first such celebration of Christmas at Prime Minister Modi’s official residence in his tenure, he said that Jesus Christ’s life message was centred on compassion and service and he worked for an inclusive society where justice was for all.
Among those present included Bishop Paul Swaroop, Bishop Thomas Mar Antonios, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop Anil Couto, John Verghese, Principal of St Stephen’s College, Alexander George, managing director of the Muthoot group, Alukkas Joy Verghese who is chairperson of the Joyalukkas group, athlete Anju Bobby George, actor Dino Morea, Kevin J. Kimtis, second secretary at Embassy of The Holy See Vatican and Bishop Simon John.
Recalling that he had had the opportunity to meet His Holiness Pope Francis in the past, he said that “it was a moment that left a lasting impression” on him. Prime Minister Modi said that the spirit of service and pursuit of the truth as enshrined in the Holy Bible echoed the Upanishads, considered the fount of Hindi philosophy.
“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 prayas’, can take the country to a new heights,” Prime Minister Modi said.
He spoke highly of the contribution of the Christian community on Monday espcially for its role in giving direction to the society and sense of service, and said the country proudly acknowledges this. He said that in the spirit of gift giving that accompanies Christmas, all should think of gifting a better planet for the coming generations.
In an interaction with the members of the community at his residence here on Christmas, Prime Minister Modi recalled his old, intimate and warm relations with Christians, and said they have always been at the forefront in serving the poor and deprived. “When I was chief minister of Gujarat, my constituency of Maninagar had a sizeable Christian community and we often interacted in constructive ways,” he said.
The institutions run by the community in the health and education sectors continue to make big contribution across the country, he said.
