New Delhi: Cardinal Oswald Gracias, President of Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India (CBCI) has condoled the sad demise of Mr Arun Jaitley, former Minister of Finance in the Indian government.
“With the passing away of Arun Jaitley, I have lost a dear friend. I prayed for him as soon as I learned that he was sick. I continue to pray for him that God reward him for all the good that he did,” the Cardinal said in his statement.
The Cardinal shared his association with Mr Arun Jaitley. “My association with Arun Jaitley began when he was the Law Minister and I was heading the Ecumenical Committee that was discussing with the Government the reform of Christian Matrimonial Law. Our initial meetings were conducted in a formal atmosphere. Gradually we got to understand and appreciate each other more even though we often differed. I could speak freely, frankly and could even disagree respectfully and this did not affect our cordial relationship,” the Cardinal said.
After these Marriage Law amendments sailed through Parliament, the Cardinal continued Arun Jaitley’s association and the Government consulted the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India on everything that concerned the community.
“My last meeting with him was at the Christmas Party which hosted a couple of years ago at his residence on behalf of his government. It was also his last birthday! Last Christmas he sent word to me asking if I would come over. I advised him to get fully well before organising any function,” the Cardinal added.
According to the Cardinal, “Arun Jaitely was knowledgeable, competent and an effective leader in Government. He always had the good of the people and the country foremost in his mind. Because of his brilliance he could effectively take care of all assignment given to him.
The Cardinal expressed his condolences to the family and to the government which has lost a trusted advisor. “India has lost a great citizen who did us proud. The government has lost a much loved leader of the people. I have lost a friend,“ he added.