Christmas messages of South Asian nation leaders

December 27, 2013 - South Asian nations' leaders have issued messages on the occasion of Christmas this year. Below are stories on their messages:

Indian president, PM greet nation for Christmas
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee greeted the nation’s citizens on the occasion of Christmas, holding out the values of peace, goodwill, love and kindness that Jesus stood for. In a brief message on the eve of Christmas, the president said, "On the joyous occasion of Christmas, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all my fellow countrymen and wish everyone a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year." "As the world celebrates Christmas this year, may the higher purpose which Jesus Christ held out before mankind prevail. May the star that shone over Bethlehem sparkle once again and beckon us onto the path of peace on earth and goodwill amongst men," he said. He urged all to recall the teachings of love and kindness of Jesus Christ who for centuries has been an inspiration to mankind. “May the Almighty shower his bounteous blessings on all the people of the world on this festive occasion,” the Indian president said.
Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh also greeted the nation for Christmas, saying it is “a celebration of Jesus Christ's teachings of selflessness, tolerance and brotherhood. It is an occasion to strengthen the bonds of love and friendship amongst us.” He wished that the spirit of Christmas encourage people to think about those less fortunate.

Sri Lankan president’s Christmas message
December 27, 2013 - Christmas, the Birth of Jesus, sends the important messages of simplicity in life, kindness to all, and care for nature and all beings that share this world with us, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in his Christmas message, Wednesday. "This is the beginning of the Christian teaching of universal love and peace among all people that has touched the hearts and minds of millions through history, and remains of great value in the world today," he said.
Full text of President's message:
The festival of Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ -the Prince of Peace - who is known for the message of love that transcends all differences in society. The birth of the infant Jesus, the Son of God made man, in a stable in Bethlehem, and lying on a manger in the midst of shepherds and their flock, sends the important messages of simplicity in life, kindness to all, and care for nature and all beings that share this world with us. This is the beginning of the Christian teaching of universal love and peace among all people that has touched the hearts and minds of millions through history, and remains of great value in the world today. The ringing of church bells at this festival sends out the joyous message of love and peace on earth to all those of goodwill, as Christians exchange and share the greetings of Christmas. The Christians of Sri Lanka are today free to celebrate with joy the birth of the founder of their faith in keeping with the traditions of the past.
I wish you all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas !

Bangladesh president, PM wish countrymen for Christmas
December 27, 2013 - The president and prime minister of Bangladesh have wished the Christians of the nations for Christmas holding out the message of Jesus Christ. President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued messages on the eve of Christmas calling for upholding the tradition of religious harmony. The president said, "The ideals and sacrifice of Jesus Christ inspired the people to follow the path of peace and welfare." Sheikh Hasina said the goal of Jesus Christ was to establish justice and peace in the world while his entire life was dedicated to bringing a sense of relief in human lives.

Pakistani leaders greet Christians for Christmas
December 27, 2013 - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan has greeted Christians on the occasion of Christmas saying, “Jesus Christ was sent to this world as symbol of peace, brotherhood and respect for the entire humanity.” “He not only healed the ailing humanity but preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion,” he said. Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain also issued a message for Christmas saying, “It is an occasion to revert to the message of Christ, the eternal message of love, peace, tolerance and compassion for humanity.” “It is time to re-dedicate ourselves to these noble ideals and work individually as well as collectively for the betterment and welfare of humanity and to contribute our share in making the world a better place to live,” he said.
Later on Thursday, President Hussain hosted a dinner to mark Christmas celebrations, which was attended among others by bishops, diplomats based in Islamabad, federal ministers and parliamentarians. He felicitated the Christian community on Christmas and said Jesus Christ preached love, equality, peace and brotherhood. He said that being followers of different religions, we all have to receive something from the message of Jesus preaching mercy and pardon, charity and fraternity, justice and peace. He said the best tribute to Jesus would be to inculcate and practice the spirit of peace, love, tolerance and brotherhood which were accorded significance by not only Christianity and Islam, but also by almost all world religions. “Christmas is a time for celebration and rejoicing. It is also a time to reflect on the message of Jesus Christ, the eternal massage of love, peace, tolerance and compassion for humanity,” the President remarked. He said it was a time of rededication to Jesus’ teachings who showed us the path of virtuous living and urged the people to turn to God for seeking Divine mercy.
The president also cited the father of the Pakistani nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, assuring the rights of minorities. He said Pakistan was a multi-cultural society where people belonging to different faiths and religions, had been living together in amity and mutual respect. “We have a long history of tolerance and respect for others’ cultures and traditions. This diversity is indeed our strength. We need to further build on this strength and capitalize it for further growth and development of our society,” he advised.
He also lauded the valuable contributions by Christian community towards socio-economic development of the country who stood side by side in the service of the country and faced challenges along with the nation. The President expressed the confidence that Christian community would continue to play their due role for peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan with complete zeal and dedication. He also eulogized the efforts of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony for promoting interfaith harmony and engaging religious scholars and leaders of all faiths to remove misunderstandings through dialogue.

Nepali president wishes Christians for Christmas
December 27, 2013 - Nepali President Ram Baran Yadav has greeted Christians worldwide and in his country on the occasion of Christmas, wishing happiness, peace and prosperity to all. "The celebration and promotion of such festivals, I believe, will bolster mutual trust and goodwill among the Nepali people and ultimately help build a new prosperous Nepal", Yadav said in a statement on the eve of Christmas. Noting that Nepal is “rich in diverse cultures and traditions,” he wished that “the protection and preservation of such festivals foster mutual trust and harmony which helps in nation building and enhances social system." He hoped that the festival cement fraternity and unity among all Nepalis, and promote brotherhood and unity among the people to make a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Nepal. The Himalayan nation’s other leaders also issued messages and greetings on the occasion of Christmas.