PM attends X-mas festivities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) here, mourned the victims of a recent terror attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. He cautioned against forces attempting to disrupt social harmony, emphasising the importance of unity and peace in society.

“The teachings of Lord Christ embody the essence of love, harmony and brotherhood. It is important that we work to make this spirit stronger. But it pains my heart when there are attempts to spread violence and cause disruption in society,” PM Modi said, referring to the deadly attack in Germany where four women and a nine-year-old boy were killed, and over 235 people were injured.

This is the first time that a Prime Minister has attended such a programme at the headquarters of the CBCI.

“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 bring back family members,” Modi said.

The PM also drew inspiration from the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasising the values of compassion and selfless service. “The Bible says bear each other’s burdens. Our institutions and organisations work with this motto. Jesus Christ showed the world the path of compassion and selfless service. Today, the country is moving ahead with the common goal of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas’,” he added.

During the event, he interacted with key leaders from the Christian community, including Cardinals, Bishops and prominent lay leaders of the church.