By Verghese V Joseph.
While the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s recent interaction with leaders of the Christian community on Christmas Day in New Delhi, he also expressed that the community’s sentiments would have been greatly eased had the Prime Minister addressed the pressing issues of Manipur, hate speech against Christians, attacks on churches and institutions, the enactment of anti-conversion laws in various states, and the denial of Christians’ constitutional rights
The prelate is the president of the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council and the president of All Karnataka United Forum for Human Rights.
According to Dr Machado, “To take positively forward the Prime Minister’s Christmas message of peace and goodwill, it would be an excellent move on his part to address the concerns of the Christian Community by taking into confidence the cardinals, bishops, priests and religious, and the lay leaders of the community.”
“We all look up to the Prime Minister to give a soothing touch to the burning problem of Manipur, which may be an ethnic issue but has left deep scars on the people of the Christian community. Further, the Prime Minister can surely take Christian leaders into confidence in resolving the Dalit Christian reservations issue in a statesmanship type of leadership by granting equal status to all Dalits, be they Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs or Christians,” Dr Machado felt.
While the Archbishop of Mumbai, His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, and the Archbishop of Delhi, Most Rev. Anil Couto lauded the Prime Minister for his wonderful gesture of meeting and greeting the Christians of India, the Prime Minister himself spoke of the Christian community in a very complimentary, positive, and favourable manner. He also, in glowing terms, praised the community for its contributions to the freedom movement in the past, and the role it plays today with its active participation in social service activities and also in education and health sectors.
Wishing everyone, especially people of the Christian community a Merry Christmas, the Prime Minister thanked everyone present for joining him on this very special and sacred occasion. He expressed delight in accepting the Indian Minority Foundation’s proposal to celebrate Christmas together and thanked them for the initiative. Throwing light on his close and very warm relations with the Christian community for a long time, the Prime Minister recalled holding frequent meetings with the Christian community and their leaders as Gujarat Chief Minister. Calling his interaction with Pope Francis just a few years ago as a very memorable moment, the Prime Minister highlighted the discussions on issues such as social harmony, global brotherhood, climate change and inclusive development to make earth a better place.
Noting that Christmas is not just the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ but also to remember his life, message and values, the Prime Minister underlined the values of compassion and service that Jesus lived by. He said that Jesus worked to create an inclusive society where justice prevails for all and it is these values that are illuminating the way like a guiding light in the development journey of India.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the similarity of values between different streams of social life, which unite us as he gave the example of the Holy Bible which emphasizes the service of others. “Service as the supreme religion. In the Holy Bible, truth has been given great importance and it is said that only truth will show us the path to salvation”, the Prime Minister said. He also mentioned the all sacred Upanishads, which focus on knowing the ultimate truth to liberate ourselves. PM Modi emphasized moving forward by focusing on shared values and heritage. “For the modern India of the 21st century, this cooperation, harmony, and spirit of Sabka Prayas will take India to new heights.
The Prime Minister mentioned one of the Holy Pope’s Christmas addresses where he prayed for blessings for those who are working for eradication of poverty. The Holy Pope, the Prime Minister said, believes in the notion of poverty harming the dignity of individuals. This, he said, resonates with the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas. “Our government is ensuring that the benefits of development reach everyone and no one is left untouched”, said the Prime Minister, informing that many people of the Christian faith, especially poor segments, are benefitting from the schemes of the government.
The Prime Minister said, “The nation proudly acknowledges the contribution of the Christian Community”. Prime Minister Modi praised the contributions of the Christian Community to the freedom movement and highlighted the various intellectual thinkers and leaders. He underlined that Gandhiji himself had said that the Non-Cooperation Movement was conceived under the patronage of Sushil Kumar Rudra, Principal of St. Stephen’s College. He highlighted the crucial role played by the Christian community in giving direction to society and mentioned active participation in social service towards the poor and the deprived. He also noted their contributions in important areas of education and healthcare.
Reiterating India’s resolution to be a developed nation by 2047 and the importance of the youth in the journey, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for physical, mental and emotional fitness of the youth. He requested the community leaders to make people aware of the movements for popularizing fitness, millets, nutrition and the campaign against drugs.
Noting the tradition of giving gifts on Christmas, the Prime Minister stressed gifting a better planet to the coming generations. “Sustainability is the need of today’s time”, PM Modi said underlining that living a sustainable lifestyle is the central message of Mission LiFE, an international movement being led by India. He reiterated that the campaign inspires pro-planet people to adopt a pro-planet lifestyle. He mentioned reusing and recycling, using biodegradable materials, adopting millets, and buying products with minimal carbon footprint. He expressed belief that the socially conscious Christian community can play a major role in this mission.
The Prime Minister also discussed about Vocal for Local. “When we promote local products, when we become ambassadors of goods made in India, it is a form of service to the country. I would also urge the Christian community to be more vocal for local”, he said.
The Prime Minister wished that the festive season unite the nation as one and bring together every citizen. “May this festival strengthen the bond that keeps us united even in our diversity. May this occasion of Christmas fill all our lives with happiness. May the coming year bring prosperity, happiness, and peace for all of us”, the Prime Minister concluded.
Cardinal Oswald Gracias said that the Prime Minister’s ideas are percolating down to every Indian and the country could be the leading country of the world.
Archbishop of Delhi Anil Couto expressed happiness that with the mantra of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, Sabka Viswas and Sabka Prayas, the Prime Minister is providing leadership to the country on the global platform.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, The Rev. Dr Paul Swarup reiterated his happiness of celebrating Christmas with the Prime Minister at his official residence. Bishop Thomas Mar Antonios thanked the Prime Minister for the opportunity to engage in a dialogue and discussion with him on the auspicious occasion of Christmas.
John Varghese, Principal St. Stephen’s College, once again praised the current policy of pegging the benchmark higher in every sphere and said ‘If India wins, the world wins’.
Alexander George, Joint MD, Muthoot Group highlighted the Prime Minister’s pivotal role in the transformation of the nation as witnessed not just by the Christian Community but every community in India, and the promise for a better future.
Alukkas Joy Verghese, Chairman of Joyalukkas Group admired the Prime Minister’s down-to-earth, simple and friendly personality. Kurian Vargese, an NRI businessman from Bahrain highlighted the Prime Minister’s efforts to create a positive outlook for India not just in Gulf countries but all over the world.
Calling the Prime Minister a great leader, athlete Anju Bobby George praised the Prime Minister’s zeal for promoting sports. “I think in the near future, we will be at the top”, she said.
Actor Dino Morea lauded the Prime Minister’s contribution towards the development of India and said that the country along with its people is moving in the right direction.
Ashwin Jerome Fernandes, Regional Director, Africa, Middle East and South Asia at QS Quacquarelli Symonds said that PM Modi’s leadership has been magnanimous throughout the world and created a huge appeal for India.
Kevin J. Kimtis, Second Secretary, Embassy of The Holy See Vatican underlined the Prime Minister’s dedication towards the Indian people where service towards them is the government’s priority. Bishop Simon John expressed immense happiness that for the first time, a Prime Minister had invited the Christian Community to celebrate Christmas at his residence.
Anthony Jacob, CEO of Apollo 24*7 said that he sees the Prime Minister as a kind-hearted human being and thanked him for the interaction opportunity. Sunny Joseph, Administrator of Christ University expressed great delight upon the opportunity and said that the Prime Minister’s vision for the future and his message have uplifted everyone’s spirits.
Yakub Mathew, MD, Wells Fargo Bank, Delhi hailed the Prime Minister’s leadership style where he demands change
Greatly appreciate the forthright comments of Abp Peter Machado of Bengaluru. Could do with more such leaders with a backbone
Speaking of justice, first the church leaders themselves do justice in the church.If a seminarian or a religious brother or sister leaves the diocese or a congregation and wishes to join other diocese or religious congregation, it is next to impossible.They are held in doubt and contempt.Does it mean that the Superior is always right? Imagine a young person desiring to dedicate life for Christ but finds no acceptance by church authorities!!! The same leaders talk about kindness, service , justice and forgiveness!!! No wonder laity is fast loosing trust in the Church leaders.If it is not restored by right witness value, they will loose faith in church teachings also because a teacher without character has no value.
One is not sure whether Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore was invited to the Prime Minister’s garden party. If not, did he send his points of view (concerns) to the PM through Cardinal Oswald or Delhi Archbishop Anil Kouto?