Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu participates in State Government organised Semi-Christmas Celebrations in Vijayawada
VIJAYAWADA December 23: Christmas, celebrated on a grand scale worldwide, stands as the only festival that unites people globally, remarked Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. Speaking at the Semi-Christmas celebrations held at the A Plus Convention Hall in Vijayawada, the Chief Minister emphasized the message of compassion and service embodied by Christianity. He extended his wishes for the grace of Lord Jesus Christ, the savior of the world, to be upon everyone.
The event, held on Monday, saw pastors offering special prayers. The Chief Minister cut a Christmas cake and shared it with the pastors, symbolizing harmony and celebration. Addressing the attendees, he highlighted the significance of remembering the sacrifices of Jesus Christ and following the path of peace and love.
Christianity: A Beacon of Love, Compassion, and Service
Chief Minister Naidu lauded Christianity as a symbol of selfless service, compassion, and love. He recalled how Christians, inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ, contributed to the establishment of educational institutions and healthcare services even before India gained independence.
“Jesus Christ, born in a humble manger and raised as a shepherd, exemplified simplicity and humility. His unparalleled sacrifice for believers is a testament to his greatness, which everyone should take as an inspiration. We must always remember his sacrifices, embrace peace, and nurture the philosophy of love,” said the Chief Minister.
Support for Minority Welfare and Security
Recounting his tenure as Chief Minister of the united Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu mentioned how he ensured the celebration of Semi-Christmas and Christmas at the district level. He reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and security of minorities.
He recalled intervening personally to investigate incidents of attacks on churches during his previous tenure and taking stringent measures to prevent such occurrences. “Post the bifurcation of the state, we prioritized Christian welfare by providing financial support for church construction and renovation. We allocated ₹10 lakh for each charitable organization, ₹10 crore for a Christian community building in Guntur, and ₹1.5 crore for the CSI St. Basilica Church in Vijayawada,” he noted.
The Chief Minister also announced plans to complete the stalled Christian Bhavan project in Guntur soon. He highlighted initiatives like financial assistance for Christian pilgrims visiting Jerusalem, pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for Christian students, and tuition fee reimbursements.
However, he criticized the previous government for its negligence, which led to the weakening of Christian-aided educational institutions. “Even our leader NTR studied at Guntur’s AC College, an institution with a rich legacy,” he added.
“A Vision for Poverty-Free Society”
Acknowledging the severe financial challenges faced by the state due to inherited debts, Chandrababu Naidu vowed to fulfill his responsibilities with determination. “Despite the hardships, we are resolute in our efforts. I have always been an advocate for the poor and envision a society free from poverty,” he said.
As part of this vision, he announced the establishment of the Christian Missionaries Properties Development Board to aid in the construction and restoration of churches. He invited collective efforts to reduce economic disparities and emphasized the inclusion of poverty eradication in his government’s Vision 2047 Swarnandhra Plan.
A Call for Unity and Cooperation
The Chief Minister concluded by urging everyone to join hands in building an equitable society and ensuring a brighter future for all communities. Christmas cake cutting and feast followed. Ministers Kollu Ravindra, Farooq, Savitha, Deputy Speaker Raghurama Krishnam Raju, MP Kesineni Sivanadh, MLAs Gadde Rammohan Rao, Yarlagadda Venkatrao, DGP Tirumalarao, CS Neerabh Kumar Prasad participated. Prominent Christan leader Kodali Vijay presided the semi Christmas Celebrations and other prominent Christian, Minority leaders attended the event.
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