Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it hurts him when people try to spread violence in society on Monday. He made this statement during Christmas celebrations held by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) in Delhi, marking the first time a Prime Minister attended such an event at the CBCI headquarters.
“It is important that we all work to make this spirit stronger. However, it pains my heart when there are attempts to spread violence and cause disruption in society. Just a few days ago, we saw what happened at the Christmas market in Germany. It is essential that we come together to fight such challenges,” he said.
Modi mentioned tragic events like the Christmas market attack in Germany and the 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka, stressing the importance of coming together to fight such challenges. He also recalled how he felt proud when Father Alexis Prem Kumar was safely brought back from war-torn Afghanistan a decade ago, after being held hostage for eight months.
PM Modi talked about how India prioritises both national and human interests in its foreign policy. He highlighted that India went beyond its limits to help other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing medicines to more than 150 nations.
He also mentioned India’s efforts to evacuate its citizens from war zones, saying that it is India’s duty to ensure their safety no matter where they are or what crisis they face.
Modi shared a message from the Bible: “bear each other’s burdens.” He said that India’s institutions work with this spirit and that the teachings of Jesus Christ about compassion and selfless service guide the country’s values, which are based on “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas.”
Finally, Modi expressed pride that George Koovakad was made a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Koovakad, who is now the Titular Archbishop of Nisibis in Turkey, was one of the 21 priests promoted by Pope Francis in October. The Prime Minister also invited Pope Francis to visit India.