New Delhi [India], December 24 (HBTV): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that the teachings of Jesus Christ celebrate love, harmony, and brotherhood and it is important that people work to make this spirit stronger.

PM Modi participated in the Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) at the CBCI Centre premises here.

This is the first time a Prime Minister has attended such a programme at the Headquarters of the Catholic Church in India. The Prime Minister also interacted with key leaders from the Christian community, including Cardinals, Bishops, and prominent leaders of the Church.

Wishing Merry Christmas to the citizens of the country and the Christian community worldwide, the Prime Minister stated that a few days ago he had attended a Christmas celebration at Union Minister George Kurian's residence, and today, he is honoured to join all for this event organized by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI).

'This occasion is particularly special as it marks the 80th anniversary of the CBCI,' he said.

PM Modi congratulated the CBCI and everyone associated with it on this remarkable milestone.

He reminisced that he celebrated Christmas with CBCI at the Prime Minister's residence, and today all are gathered at the CBCI campus.

'I have also visited the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church during Easter, and I am grateful for the warmth I receive from all of you. I feel the same affection from His Holiness Pope Francis, whom I met earlier this year during the G7 summit in Italy—our second meeting in three years. I invited him to visit India,' PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister said that during his trip to New York in September, he had met Cardinal Pietro Parolin. These spiritual encounters inspire and strengthen the commitment to service, he said.

The Prime Minister recalled his recent meeting with Cardinal George Koovakad, who was recently conferred the title of Cardinal by Pope Francis. The Prime Minister said that the Indian government, led by Union Minister George Kurian, sent a high-level delegation to this event. 'When an Indian achieves such success, the entire country takes pride. I once again congratulate Cardinal George Koovakad on this remarkable accomplishment,' PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also recollected many memories, particularly the fulfilling moments when Father Alexis Prem Kumar was rescued from war-torn Afghanistan a decade ago.

He highlighted that Father Alexis Prem Kumar had been held hostage for eight months, and despite the difficult situation, the government made every effort to bring him home safely.

'I will never forget the joy in his family's voices when we succeeded. Similarly, when Father Tom was taken hostage in Yemen, we also worked tirelessly to bring him back, and I had the honour of inviting him to my home. Our efforts to rescue nurse sisters in crisis in the Gulf were equally relentless and successful,' the Prime Minister said.

He reiterated that these efforts were not just diplomatic missions but emotional commitments to bring back family members. Today's India, no matter where an Indian is, considers it its duty to rescue him or her in times of crisis.

The Prime Minister emphasised that India's foreign policy prioritizes human interests alongside national ones, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many countries focused on their own interests, India selflessly helped over 150 countries, sending medicines and vaccines. This had a positive global impact, with nations like Guyana expressing deep gratitude. Many island nations, Pacific nations, and Caribbean countries also praise India for its humanitarian efforts. India's human-centric approach is set to elevate the world in the 21st century.

The Prime Minister underscored that the teachings of Lord Christ emphasize love, harmony, and brotherhood. And it saddens him when violence and disruption spreads in society, as seen recently at a Christmas market in Germany and during the 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka.

PM Modi stated that this Christmas is more special. 'The Holy Bible sees hope as a source of strength and peace. We are also guided by hope and positivity. Hope for humanity. Hope for a better world and Hope for peace, progress, and prosperity,' he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted that in the past 10 years, 250 million people in India have overcome poverty, fueled by the hope that victory over poverty is possible. India has also risen from the 10th to the fifth largest economy.