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Christmas In India
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday greeted citizens on the eve of Christmas and hoped that the "forces of trust and forgiveness" will be strengthened around the world, bringing people closer to each other. "As we celebrate this sacred day, let us imbibe Jesus Christ's message of love and harmony in our lives. His teachings of brotherhood and welfare of all continue to light the path to a better world. This festival inspires us to foster unity and peace," she said. In this season of peace, "I hope the forces of trust and forgiveness will be strengthened around the world, bringing people closer to each other," Murmu said. The President extended her heartiest greetings and best wishes to all Indians, especially Christians, according to a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said it pains his heart when there are attempts to spread violence and cause disruption in society. Speaking at the Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, Modi stressed the importance of strengthening the spirit of love, harmony and brotherhood in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Citing the Christmas market attack in Germany and the 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka, he said it is important to come together and fight such challenges. Modi stressed that only a human-centric approach as adopted by India can take a 21st century world to new heights. This is the first time that a prime minister has attended such a programme at the headquarters of the Catholic Church in India. The prime minister also said no matter where they are or what crisis they face, today's India sees it as its duty to bring its citizens to safety. He recollected several memories, particularly the fulfilling moments when Father
Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praise on the Christian community on Monday for its role in the freedom movement and in various fields like healthcare and education, and said the country proudly acknowledges its contribution. In an interaction with the members of the community at his residence here on Christmas, Modi said the values of compassion, inclusivity and justice for all propagated by Jesus Christ also served as a "guiding light" in his government's development journey. Praising the community for playing an important role in giving direction to the society and sense of service, he noted that Mahatma Gandhi had said the Non-cooperation Movement was conceived under the patronage of Sushil Kumar Rudra, the then Principal of St. Stephen's College. Modi also recalled his old, intimate and warm relations with Christians since his days as the Gujarat chief minister and said they have always been at the forefront in serving the poor and deprived. Many thinkers and leaders from
Prayers, midnight masses and carols sung in praise of Lord Jesus ushered in the Christmas festivities in Goa where several people gathered at churches and beaches for the celebrations held throughout the night. The streets of capital city Panaji were crowded with people who participated in the celebrations till the early hours of Monday after attending the midnight masses in churches. The famous Church Square in the heart of Panaji turned into a sea of people, as a large number of tourists have also arrived for the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the coastal state, which has about 30 per cent Christian population. Keeping with the festive spirit, Goans decked up their houses in colourful lights and put up beautifully decorated cribs, depicting the birth of Lord Jesus. At Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji, devotees started gathering from 11 pm on Sunday to attend the prayers. With the ringing of bells at midnight, the birth of Lord Jesus was celebrated a
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday invited Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge to his residence on December 25 for an interaction on the issue of disruptions in Parliament and the suspension of opposition MPs, saying despite his repeated requests, such a meeting could not happen during the Winter session. The vice president said the disorder in the House was deliberate and part of a strategy. "I do not seek to embarrass you by indicating the predetermined role of the main opposition party in this communication, but will share with you when I have the benefit of interaction with you," he said. In a fresh letter to Kharge, who is the leader of opposition in the House, Dhankhar wrote, "We need to move ahead" and invited him for an interaction on December 25 "or a time of your convenience" at his official residence. Responding to Kharge's December 22 letter, the Rajya Sabha chairperson said he wished that the Congress leader's assertion that "we firmly believe in fostering dialog