Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for collective efforts to uphold harmony and confront challenges such as societal violence and disruptions. Speaking at a Christmas event organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India at its headquarters, the Prime Minister emphasized the values of love, harmony, and brotherhood taught by Jesus Christ. His speech, shared later on social media, highlighted the importance of unity in addressing pressing issues and fostering societal welfare.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on India’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the country’s global humanitarian efforts. “India went beyond its capabilities to help numerous countries, providing medicines and vaccines to over 150 nations,” he said. He also underscored India’s commitment to prioritizing human welfare, citing instances where the country evacuated stranded citizens from crisis zones, including nurses in Gulf nations and Father Alexis Prem Kumar from Afghanistan. These actions, he said, represent India’s emotional commitment to protecting its citizens, extending beyond diplomatic missions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the recent terror attack in Germany’s Magdeburg Christmas Market, where an SUV drove into a crowd, claiming the lives of four women and a child, while injuring 205 people, including seven Indians. He expressed solidarity with the victims and reiterated the importance of prioritizing human interests in addressing global challenges.
Highlighting India’s progress over the past decade, the Prime Minister pointed out that 250 million people have risen out of poverty, and the country’s economy has climbed from the 10th to the 5th largest globally. He commended the nation’s youth for their ambition and the growing empowerment of women across various sectors, emphasizing that no nation can progress without gender equality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised India’s advancements in technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing, citing projects like expressways, rural roads, and metro routes that inspire hope for the future.
The Prime Minister expressed pride in the elevation of His Eminence George Koovakad as a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church by Pope Francis, calling it a moment of national pride. He emphasized India’s transformative policies, including the PM Awas Yojana, which builds homes in women’s names, and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which enhances women’s participation in Parliament.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the importance of collective effort in building a developed India, inspired by the values of compassion and service taught by Jesus Christ. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, he expressed confidence in achieving the shared vision of a brighter and more inclusive future for the nation.
