Prime Minister Modi Celebrates Christmas at Delhi Cathedral

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended festive greetings to the nation on Christmas Day, highlighting the themes of peace, compassion, and hope. He attended a morning service at The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Delhi, where he joined a large congregation of Christians from the region. The service featured traditional prayers, carols, and hymns, along with a special prayer offered for the Prime Minister by the Right Reverend Paul Swarup, the Bishop of Delhi.

In his Christmas message, Prime Minister Modi reflected on the enduring values of love, service, and brotherhood taught by Jesus Christ, emphasising their importance in promoting social harmony and mutual respect. He conveyed these sentiments in a post shared on the social media platform X, stating, "Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas filled with peace, compassion and hope. May the teachings of Jesus Christ strengthen harmony in our society."

The Prime Minister's attendance at the service is part of a growing trend over recent years, where he has actively participated in events connected to the Christian community. Notably, during Easter 2023, Modi attended a programme at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Delhi. His commitment to interfaith dialogue was further demonstrated in 2024 when he attended a Christmas gathering at the residence of Minister of State George Kurian and participated in a programme organised by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.

Bishop Swarup described Modi's visit as a 'spontaneous gesture' of goodwill, aimed at fostering a spirit of unity during the festive season. He acknowledged the rising concerns surrounding the safety of Christians in India, mentioning the need for open dialogue between the community and the government. However, he indicated that Christmas was not the appropriate time to raise these issues directly with the Prime Minister.

In addition to Prime Minister Modi, other prominent Indian leaders, including Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, also shared their Christmas greetings. Gandhi expressed hopes for joy, happiness, and love during the festive season. India's Vice President, C.P. Radhakrishnan, also extended his wishes, emphasising the importance of kindness and community during this time of year.

As the holiday season unfolds, the messages of goodwill from leaders across the political spectrum signal a collective commitment to fostering harmony and understanding among India's diverse communities. Christmas, a time of joy and reflection, serves as a reminder of the shared values that can unite people from different backgrounds and beliefs, reinforcing the idea of community and cooperation in India.