Speaker, Finance Minister welcome newly ordained Bishop on sidelines of religious event

Days after the appointment of the new Bishop — Dr Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel — for the Diocese of Jalandhar, Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema today called on him, welcoming him, on the sidelines of a religious event at the Trinity College here today.

While the Speaker and the Finance Minister along with the Bishop, attended the event and addressed the gathering, they also cut a cake and shared a light hearted moment with Sandhwan offering a slice of cake to the Bishop and AAP leaders happily looking on.

Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel (63) was ordained as the fourth Bishop of Jalandhar Diocese, following a day-long ceremony and prayers at the Trinity College campus here on July 12.

Speaking at the event, Sandhwan said, “Every religion of the world gives a message of service to humanity and there is no greater service than service to humanity. Punjab is the land of great gurus, pirs, prophets and saints. This land respects those who believe in God in every way.”

Adviser to the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali; Chairperson of Jalandhar Improvement Trust Rajwinder Kaur Thiara; Director PRTC Rajinder Singh Rihal and Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur were also present on the occasion.

Appreciating the valuable contribution made by the Christian community in the service of humanity, Sandhwan said, “The Christian community has not only contributed to the progress of Punjab, but the role being played it in the field of education and health is also commendable. The Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has given priority to health and education from the beginning, keeping the welfare of the people of the state in mind and bringing reforms in these two sectors.”

The Speaker congratulated Bishop Dr Jose Sebastian and expressed hope that under his leadership, the Christian community would continue to serve people in the same way extending social service and welfare towards humanity.

Finance Minister Harpal Cheema said, “The Christian community is playing a commendable role in the field of education through its schools. Along with this, the community has also made a valuable contribution to provide health services.”

Among others, AAP leader Robin Sampla, and SDM Adampur Vivek Kumar Modi, were also present at the event.