PM Modi’s 'Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas’ mantra resonates with Christians in Odisha
PM Modi’s "Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas’ mantra resonates with Christians in Odisha Archbishops, Bishops of Eastern India pledge support for Modi's return as PM for realising vision of a developed India by 2047 Bhubaneswar Resolution Passed: Christian religious leaders in Odisha laud PM Modi's initiatives & vision for India's development Odisha the gateway of Eastern India has seen unprecedented development under the leadership of PM Modi; Christian Community hails Rs. 68000 crore developmental projects
Bhubaneshwar, 13 February: Community Leaders and priests of Christian Community of Odisha unanimously endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development oriented initiatives and inclusive approach. The Community leaders were participating in an event organised by the Indian Minorities Foundation (IMF) at St. Vincent De Paul Pro Cathedral in Bhubaneswar under the leadership of the Archbishop John Barwa of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar. The Archbishops, Bishops and Christian community leaders who participated in the event, which had “Contribution to Nation-building by Christian Leadership and Community of Odisha” as its theme, hailed PM Modi visionary leadership in the past 10 years and wished for his return as PM in the 2024 polls.
Lauding the PM Modi for truly following the most powerful manifestation of the spirit of the Constitution through the mantra of "Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas-Sabka Prayas, Christian religious leaders unanimously affirmed the unwavering support of the Christian community in eastern India to his roadmap for India’s all in-inclusive and all-round development. In a “Bhubaneswar Resolution" adopted unanimously at this 'Sadhbhavna' event, religious leaders from the Christian community extended their support for the vision of Viksit Bharat given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a joint statement, the Christian Community Leaders said that they will extend full cooperation in their respective capacities to realize the dream of Developed India by 2047.
Through the resolution, they expressed “highest commendation on to works undertaken by government under the leadership of PM Modi through unparalleled and unprecedented minority welfare measures at large scale and to strive for a strong and inclusive India”. The Archbishops, Bishops and other Christian religious leaders also complimented PM Modi for his visionary leadership that ensured participation of all minority communities in India’s growth trajectory – as the country is scripting new history in economic development. They also expressed firm commitment towards active participation and contribution in achieving the dream of making India a developed nation by 2047.
Important dignitaries who were present on the occasion included Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, John Barwa, Bishop Odisha Diocese of Penticostal Churches, Jugal Kishore Pradhan, Church of North India (CNI) Bishop of Cuttack, Surendra Kumar Nanda, Rev Prana Ranjan Parichha (President Evangelical Bishop’s Council), Kulamani Nayak (General Secretary Odisha United Christian Federation), President of Odisha State Minority International Human Right Commission, Rev. Debendra Singh. Besides prominent Christian religious leaders in Odisha and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Satnam Singh Sandhu who is the IMF convenor, IMF founder Prof Himani Sood and Rajya Sabha member from Odisha, Sasmit Patra, also attended the event.
Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Satnam Singh Sandhu said the nation proudly acknowledges the contribution of the Christian Community to the freedom movement, ending the evil practices in the Indian society and its active participation in social service in important areas of education and healthcare. “As the Prime Minister Modi has rightly said Jesus worked to create an inclusive society where justice prevails for all. It is these values that are illuminating the way like a guiding light in the development journey of India under PM Modi’s leadership who shares a special bond with the Christian community.
This is evident by PM Modi’s historic visit to the Vatican City and Christmas celebration with the community at his residence in the national capital,” he said. “Many people of the Christian faith, especially poor segments, are benefitting from the schemes of the PM Modi’s government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guiding principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwaas, Sabka Prayas' reflects his visionary leadership style. PM Modi’s dedicated efforts toward uplifting minorities, ensuring their integral role in the country's advancement, and recognizing their invaluable contributions to India's developmental narrative are pivotal tenets of his governance.
PM Modi has championed holistic development of all communities which is fostering an inclusive and resilient India," the Member of Parliament said. Member Parliament Sasmit Patra on the occasion said, “Gone are the days when policies were made by the Government on the basis to appease the communities. Now we see that the policies are being made keeping in mind the social and economic inclusive development for all, discarding the barriers of discrimination on the basis of religion, caste or community”.
India has witnessed some landmark decisions being undertaken by PM Modi such as implementation of GST, passing of Women Reservation Bill and others which have been stuck in Parliament for many years, he added. While talking about the development in Odisha, Patra added that, “Projects like 412-km Dhamra–Angul pipeline section of the Jagdishpur-Haldia, Bokaro-Dhamra pipeline project (JHBDPL), Nagpur Jharsuguda natural gas pipeline section of the Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda pipeline will shape the future of the state”.
Archbishop of Odisha John Barwa appreciates PM Modi for bringing an end to atrocities against Christians Most Rev John Barwa, Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, “We have heard, seen and experienced the powerful mission activities that Prime Minister Nardenra Modi has undertaken (in the past 10 years). It clearly speaks volume about the unparalled work and love he has shown for the upliftment of Dalits, underprivileged, minorities and Christian community. PM Modi promotes value system and abilities of Christian community.”
“Atrocities on Christians have come down under Modi government. Those circumstances and incidents of religious persecution around 2008 fill our hearts us with utter grief and shake us even today. He deserved appreciation for stopping all such atrocities and unwanted situations. Modi Ji invited Christian community leaders to celebrate Christmas Day at his residence, it was such a powerful event which says a lot about his all-inclusive approach. On behalf of Christian community, I thank PM Modi for organizing such an event of coming together, listening, sharing and growing together by knowing each other’s minds and hearts in a powerful way.” PM Modi integrated Odisha with India, ensured unprecedented growth in Eastern India Vijay Digal, a former banker and social activist, said, “PM Modi has always supported the Christian Community, and his efforts have significantly ensured the welfare of all. While the policies of the UPA Government were primarily focused on securing votes, wherein minorities were solely considered as vote banks and consequently overlooked.
However, Modi-led NDA Government has improved the conditions for the minorities over the last decade, especially for the Christian Community. The government has ensured the development and safety of the Christians by addressing the atrocities against the community nationwide. Under PM Modi’s leadership, we feel a sense of security and inclusion in country’s growth journey.” He further said, “PM Modi is the best Prime Minister till date who has made the Eastern India (Odisha) a part of the country, which was earlier neglected and hence remained underdeveloped. He has ensured the development of the state through initiatives like the employment for the youth of Odisha and implementation of schemes for farmers so that they can earn their livelihood. No other Prime Minister before PM Modi has shown this same level of care and dedication towards the people of Odisha.”
He expressed hope towards PM Modi’s continued leadership for both India and Odisha’s further progress. Simanchanl Nayak, coordinator All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties & Social Justice (AICHLS) Odisha and President of Kalinga Vikas, lauded the new initiatives taken by the PM Modi’s government for improving the education system in the country and state. “The Modi government has set up new colleges and educational institutions in the state (Odisha), including the IIMs in Berhampur and Sambalpur, which will make quality education accessible to more students in the region, and give them the opportunity to contribute to the country’s progress,” he said while thanking the PM Modi for the initiatives taken by him over the last decade for the development of Odisha which was neglected before.
PM Modi has made an unprecedented outreach to Christian Community by taking part in their festivals says Christian Community of Odisha Father Dibakar Parichha, the PRO of the Catholic Church in Odisha, said, “Ever since PM Modi has come into power in 2014, there has been a significant decrease in the atrocities faced by the Christian community in India compared to the previous decade. Moreover, he (PM Modi) has actively made efforts to engage with the Christian Community in the recent years. PM Modi’s inclusive gesture of inviting Christians to his residence in Delhi for Christmas celebrations is a rare occasion where the Prime Minister has extended such an invitation to the Christian community.
This gesture conveys a clear message that PM Modi is committed to serving all communities without discrimination,”. Pratap Kishor Digal, Engineer, said PM Modi is treating the entire nation as his own family. “Definitely, communal tensions have come down drastically under the Modi government. He has done marvelous work in reducing communal tension and promoting harmony. People live in harmony and peaceful co-existence of all communities is indeed a reality today. If India is to become number 1 country in the world, it has to continue on the path of ensuring communal harmony then only we can grow together. Under Modi government, the state government has transformed Odisha into education hub with top premiere academic institutions introduced in the past 10 years. His unrelenting efforts for upliftment of minority communities and especially for Christian community has been unparalleled,” he said.
Odisha Christians laud PM Modi’s initiatives for ensuring quality education to youth Christian Community of Odisha thanks PM Modi for launching developmental projects worth Rs 68000 crores; Hails the development of state undertaken during last 10 years Simanchanl Nayak, coordinator All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties & Social Justice (AICHLS) Odisha and President of Kalinga Vikas, lauded the new initiatives taken by the PM Modi’s government for improving the education system in the country and state. “The Modi government has set up new colleges and educational institutions in the state (Odisha), including the IIMs in Berhampur and Sambalpur, which will make quality education accessible to more students in the region, and give them the opportunity to contribute to the country’s progress,” he said while thanking the PM Modi for the initiatives taken by him over the last decade for the development of Odisha which was neglected before.
Jayananda Nayak, the President of the Minority District in Kandhamal said over the past decade, Prime Minister Modi has ensured unprecedented progress in Odisha – which was overlooked for decades despite being the Gateway of India. “PM Modi has ushered progress across various sectors including education, road connectivity, and transportation. Recently, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 68,000 crore in the state, which will accelerate growth in Eastern India. The amount of funds Modi government has sanctioned for the state’s development have not been provided ever before in total.
We are hopeful for PM Modi's continued leadership, which well take Odisha to even greater heights of progress in the future,” he added. Pastor Anil Nayak, State Coordinator Life Stream Foundation said, “Odisha is the gateway to the Eastern India and it was a backward state until few years ago but under PM Modi government in the past 10 years, a lot of development has taken place; economically, socially. Odisha has rich natural resources and Central government has done a marvelous job to exploit the potential of ports of the state and increased the import and export exponentially in past 10 years”.
