Prime Minister, President Wish Nation Christmas Joy
(December 12, 2008) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Devisingh
Patil have joined scores of other socio-political leaders in India to wish Christians
the joy of Christmas. “On the joyous occasion of Christmas, let us recall the teachings
of Jesus Christ and pledge to dedicate ourselves to spread his universal message of
love and compassion,” Patil said in her message. She urged to ensure that “people
from the disadvantaged sections of the society are also able to participate in this
celebration, which is indeed the spirit of Christmas.” Manmohan Singh greeted the
nation saying that Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, is an occasion
for hope and happiness and provides an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of sharing
and brotherhood. He also said that we should rededicate ourselves on this occasion
to imbibe the life and teachings of Christ for the welfare of humankind. He urged
the people to work for the uplift of the needy and underprivileged. Vice President
M. Hamid Ansari has greeted the people saying Christ’s “teachings have the potential
to imbibe the divine element in our lives.” The festival, he said, reminds us of spiritual
effulgence of Jesus Christ’s teachings that could help realise the vision of a peaceful
and harmonious world.