Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Christmas Day with a significant gesture of unity, attending a festive morning service in the national capital and extending warm greetings to citizens across the country. His message centered on the core values of peace, compassion, and hope that define the season.
A Morning of Prayer and Carols in Delhi
On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi joined a large congregation for the Christmas morning service at The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Delhi. The service, attended by Christians from Delhi and North India, featured traditional prayers, carols, and hymns. A notable moment was a special prayer offered for the Prime Minister by Rt Rev Paul Swarup, the Bishop of Delhi.
The Prime Minister's participation highlighted the enduring significance of the festival's message. In his reflections, he emphasized the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly the values of love, service, and brotherhood. He connected these principles directly to the broader goal of fostering social harmony and mutual respect within India's diverse society.
PM's Social Media Message: A Call for Harmony
Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi shared his Christmas wishes with the nation. "Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas filled with peace, compassion and hope," he wrote. He further added, "May the teachings of Jesus Christ strengthen harmony in our society."
Referring to his personal experience at the cathedral, the Prime Minister posted, "Attended the Christmas morning service at The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi. The service reflected the timeless message of love, peace and compassion." He concluded his post with a hopeful note, stating, "May the spirit of Christmas inspire harmony and goodwill in our society."
Continuing Engagement with the Christian Community
The Prime Minister's attendance at the Christmas service is part of a consistent pattern of engagement with the Christian community over recent years. This tradition underscores a focus on interfaith dialogue and national unity.
Key engagements include:
- During Easter 2023, PM Modi attended a programme at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Delhi.
- Later that same year, he hosted a Christmas programme at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.
- In 2024, his outreach continued with his presence at a Christmas dinner hosted by Minister of State George Kurian and participation in an event organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).
These repeated interactions highlight a sustained effort to connect with diverse religious communities, reinforcing the government's message of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' (Collective Efforts, Inclusive Growth). The Prime Minister's Christmas actions and words serve as a potent reminder of the shared values that bind the nation together, especially during festive occasions.
