By Verghese V Joseph –
Bengaluru: The President and Prime Minister of India extended Easter greetings and wishes to Christians and all fellow citizens.
“Best wishes to everyone on the special occasion of Easter. We remember the noble thoughts of Lord Christ, especially his unwavering commitment to empowering the poor and needy,” the prime minister wrote on Twitter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he hoped this day adds “strength to successfully overcome COVID-19 and create a healthier planet.”
Best wishes to everyone on the special occasion of Easter. We remember the noble thoughts of Lord Christ, especially his unwavering commitment to empowering the poor and needy. May this Easter give us added strength to successfully overcome COVID-19 and create a healthier planet.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 12, 2020
President Ram Nath Kovind in his message on the eve of Easter said, “On the auspicious occasion of Easter, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all the fellow citizens, especially to the members of the Christian community in India and abroad.”
President Kovind stated, “It is believed that Jesus Christ resurrected on this very day which is celebrated as Easter. A very sacred festival for the Christians, Easter inspires people to follow the path of love, sacrifice and forgiveness. Let us learn from the teachings of Jesus Christ and work together to advance the common good of entire humanity.”
“May this festival instil in us the sense of unity and reinforce our commitment to the well-being and prosperity of our nation and a shared society. In these testing times, when we are fighting COVID-19, let us all resolve to celebrate this sacred festival with our families while staying at home, following ‘Social Distancing’ norms and other government instructions,” the President added.
Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion on Good Friday. It also marks the culmination of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and penance.
This year’s Easter Sunday is being spent by Christians at home due to the ongoing nationwide lockdown amid coronavirus pandemic, as churches across the country remain closed, while some of them are live-streaming services.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also wished people on the occasion.
My best wishes and greetings on the joyous occasion of Easter! #HappyEaster2020 pic.twitter.com/40D739koVo
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 12, 2020
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said this is the time for “hope, revival and renewal.”
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also greeted people on today’s occasion and said: “The resurrection of Christ is a message of hope, faith and victory.”
Happy Easter. The resurrection of Christ is a message of hope, faith and victory. May this Easter bring for us light in these difficult times, give us hope for a healthier tomorrow and strengthen our faith to emerge victorious from the ongoing pandemic.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 12, 2020
Congress leader Sachin Pilot wished people on Easter saying: “May the miracle of Easter bring hope, peace and happiness.”
BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan and LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan were also among those who took to Twitter to spread the message of hope as the COVID-19 disease spreads across the globe. The highly infectious novel coronavirus or COVID-19 has infected 8,356 people in India, and killed 273.