PM Modi attends Catholic Bishops' Christmas event, calls for unity and harmony

The teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony and brotherhood and it is important for all to work to make this spirit stronger, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.

In Short

• PM Modi highlights love, harmony central to Lord Christ's teachings
• Congratulates Cardinal George Koovakad for being appointed a Cardinal
• First Indian PM to attend Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India headquarters event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the significance of love, harmony, and brotherhood are central to the teachings of Lord Christ. He also urged people to strengthen these values.

Speaking at the Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), Modi expressed sorrow over violence and societal disruptions, highlighting the need for a human-centric approach to tackling global challenges.

Referencing past tragedies, including the Christmas market attack in Germany and the 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka, Modi underscored the necessity of collective action to combat such threats.

This marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has attended a programme at the CBCI headquarters.

"It was a very satisfactory moment for me when we safely brought Father Alexis Prem Kumar from war-torn Afghanistan a decade back. He was stuck there for eight months and was in hostage... For us, all these missions are not mere diplomatic missions but an emotional commitment to bringing back family members," PM Modi said as quoted by news agency PTI.

He reaffirmed India’s dedication to protecting its citizens, noting its efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. India provided medicines to over 150 nations and vaccines to several countries, demonstrating its commitment to global welfare.

“Some nations, despite championing human rights, hesitated to help poor countries during the pandemic. India, however, went beyond its capabilities to assist,” Modi said.

"Our youth have given us confidence that dream of a Viksit Bharat will surely be fulfilled," he said.

PM Modi congratulated His Eminence George Koovakad on being appointed a Cardinal by Pope Francis, calling it a proud moment for the nation.

Founded in 1944, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India works closely with the Catholic community across the country, fostering unity and service.

(With inputs from PTI)