'It pains my heart when there are attempts to spread violence in society,' says PM Modi at Christmas celebrations

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said it pains his heart when there are attempts to spread violence and cause disruption in society while insisting that only a human-centric approach as adopted by India can take a 21st century world to new heights.

Speaking at the Christmas celebrations organised by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), he also said the teachings of Jesus Christ celebrate love, harmony, and brotherhood and it is important that we all work to make this spirit stronger.

"However, it pains my heart when there are attempts to spread violence and cause disruption in society. Just a few days ago, we saw what happened at the Christmas market in Germany. It is essential that we come together to fight such challenges," he said. He also referred to the 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka.

Modi said it was a "very satisfactory moment" for him when India safely brought Father Alexis Prem Kumar, who was stuck in war-torn Afghanistan for eight 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.

"I am confident that the collective efforts of all of us will take our country forward. Developed India is the goal of all of us and we have to achieve it together. It is our responsibility towards the coming generations to leave behind a bright India for them," he said.

He also said today's India saves children of India, wherever they may be in the world and whatever trouble they may be in. India also gives priority to human interest along with national interest in its foreign policy. During the Corona period, the whole world saw and felt it, he added.

However, Modi's presence at the CBCI event invited criticism from a section of activists who alleged that it was an "attempt by senior institutional leaders of the Christian community to legitimise" the BJP government's inaction on Christian persecution.

"It is surprising that despite the growing persecution of Christians, prominent members of the Christian hierarchy have chosen to engage with Prime Minister Modi, who has been criticized for his inaction in protecting the rights of Christians," a statement signed by around 200 people said. The signatories included Tushar Gandhi, Annie Raja, Father Cedric Prakash, John Dayal and Shabnam Hashmi.