Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people to unite to uphold harmony and confront challenges like violence and disruptions in society.

He made these remarks while speaking at the Christmas event hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) at its headquarters on Monday, clips of which he posted on his X handle on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the teachings of Jesus Christ celebrate love, harmony, and brotherhood. “We must unite to uphold harmony and confront challenges like violence and disruptions in society,” he said.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, India went beyond its own capabilities to help numerous countries. We provided medicines to several nations and sent vaccines to many,” the PM said.

PM Modi highlighted the transformative progress India has made over the past decade in poverty alleviation and economic growth. “We are now empowering the Yuva and Nari Shakti, paving the way for a brighter and more confident future.”

He added that by prioritizing social welfare and empowerment, India has implemented transformative policies in various sectors. “Our initiatives, such as the PM Awas Yojana and Matsya Sampada Yojana, have significantly improved the lives of countless people.”

PM Modi stressed the importance of working together to embody the values taught by Jesus and strengthen the spirit of unity. He also condemned last week’s terror attack at Germany’s Magdeburg Christmas Market, where an SUV drove into a crowd, killing four women and a nine-year-old child, while injuring 205 people, including seven Indians.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to prioritize human interests alongside national interests, stating that India’s foreign policy reflects this approach.

He highlighted India’s humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the country helped over 150 nations by providing medicines and vaccines. This approach, centered on human welfare, had a positive global impact, with countries like Guyana and several island nations expressing deep gratitude.

He also mentioned the evacuation of Indians stranded in war-torn countries, stating that no matter where they are or what crisis they face, today’s India views it as its duty to bring its citizens to safety. “We brought back our nurses who were stuck in the Gulf countries. It was a very satisfactory moment for me when we safely brought Father Alexis Prem Kumar back from war-torn Afghanistan a decade ago. He had been there for 8 months and was held hostage… for us, all these missions are not mere diplomatic missions but an emotional commitment to bring back family members,” he said.

The Prime Minister also expressed pride in George Koovakad’s elevation as a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. “It is a moment of pride that His Holiness Pope Francis has made His Eminence George Koovakad a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church,” he said.

He emphasized the significance of hope in transforming the world and drew attention to India’s achievements over the past decade.

PM Modi pointed out that 250 million people have overcome poverty, and the nation’s economy has grown from the 10th to the 5th largest globally.

He praised the country’s youth for their drive and ambition and highlighted the empowerment of women across sectors, including entrepreneurship and the armed forces. He emphasized that no nation can progress without empowering women.

PM Modi also discussed India’s advancements in technology, particularly in mobile and semiconductor manufacturing. He underscored the importance of technology in empowering the poor and the rapid infrastructure development, including new expressways, rural roads, and metro routes. These initiatives, he said, inspire hope for a brighter future for India.

The Prime Minister reiterated the values of compassion and selfless service taught by Jesus Christ, stressing the role of institutions in serving society. He commended government initiatives like the PM Awas Yojana, which empowers women by building homes in their names, and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which has increased women’s participation in Parliament.

PM Modi concluded by reiterating the importance of collective effort in building a developed India. He expressed his confidence that with ongoing initiatives like Swachh Bharat and support for local artisans, India will continue to progress. “A developed India is our shared goal, and together, we will achieve it,” he affirmed, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a hopeful Jubilee Year.