Indian leaders’ messages for Easter ‎

India’s leaders have wished the nation and Christians worldwide on the occasion the occasion of Easter, drawing lessons of peace, love, brotherhood and service from the example of Christ.  The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee in his message on the eve of Easter has said: - “On the auspicious occasion of Easter, I convey my greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens and in particular, my Christian brothers and sisters in India and abroad. May the blessed celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ be a time of renewal and rejuvenation, filling our hearts with new hope, peace, love and happiness. Let us follow the inspiring example of Jesus Christ and dedicate ourselves to the service of the weak and downtrodden.”

Indian Vice President M. Hamid Ansari has also issued an Easter message saying the joyous occasion reminds us that truth always triumphs and love is stronger than hatred. He has called upon Indians to celebrate Easter by being compassionate towards fellow human beings and by strengthening the bonds of unity and fraternity amongst all.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted the nation on the occasion of Easter wishing the celebration of Christ’s resurrection “further the spirit of harmony and brotherhood in society. ”The teachings of Jesus Christ inspire entire humanity. Let us pledge ourselves to create a world that is just, compassionate and joyful,” Modi said in statement on his official website.  In a separate post on his Twitter account he wrote: “Easter greetings to everyone. May this day further the spirit of harmony and brotherhood in society.” 

Leaders of the northeast Indian state of Nagaland ‎have wished Christians on the occasion of Easter.  "Easter is a significant event upon which faith is based... The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ," wrote state Governor P B Acharya in a greeting to the Christian communities of Nagaland.   He also wished that the spirit of Easter fill the people of the state with peace, joy and forgiveness.  Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang in his message said, "For Christians, Easter is the foundation of our faith.... If only we can live as faithful Christians, we can transform our society and create a better place to live in."  He called upon the people to put aside their differences, and present themselves before the Lord with gratitude and thanksgiving for what He has done for us. 

Special Easter Masses and services were held by the various Christian communities in Nagaland.  Catholic Bishop James Thoppil of Kohima, the capital, celebrated Easter Mass in his cathedral of Mary Help of Christians and administered First Holy Communion to 59 children.   The Kohima Baptist Pastors' Fellowship held Easter Sunday morning service at the historic World War-II Cemetery with thousands of Christians offering thanksgiving prayer while special services were also held in Churches across the State.  Nagaland Baptist Church Council, General Secretary, Reverend Dr Kethozelhou Keyho delivering special sermon during the service called upon the people to lead a resurrected life so as to make a difference in the family and society in order to glorify God's kingdom.

Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi  of Meghalaya state also extended his greetings to the people for Easter. "Easter is a festival of hope celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On this occasion, I convey my warm greetings to the people of Meghalaya and to the Christian community in particular, and wish them a Holy Easter," Tripathi said in his message.