Promote peace, forgiveness, compassion: LG Sinha

Jammu, Dec 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday called for promoting peace, forgiveness, and compassion and said that the Christian community had been serving the society selflessly.

Attending the Christmas celebrations organised by ‘All J&K Christian Sabha’ here, LG Sinha urged every section of society to imbibe the teachings of Jesus Christ and promote the spirit of peace, forgiveness, and compassion.

“The Christian community has selflessly served society and made immense contributions in the field of education and healthcare,” he said. “I hope that their commitment to service inspires others.”

The LG interacted with the Bishop, Priests, and members of the CNI Church, Jammu-Srinagar Diocese, and All J&K Christian Sabha and commended their contribution to building a peaceful, selfless, compassionate, and caring society.

“Our prime objective is to light the lamp of love, kindness, and brotherhood in the heart of every citizen,” he said. “Lord Jesus Christ emphasised the purity of a person’s thoughts, moral actions, and doing good deeds without expecting anything in return. We need to follow Lord Christ's ideals and make selfless service our motto.”

LG Sinha called for united resolve from all sections, especially the younger generation, to promote harmonious living and mutual respect for all.

He said the youth were the inheritors of the rich legacy of spiritual values and must work for equality and fraternity.

“India’s culture is unique and ageless. This great country has been a witness to the co-existence of almost all major religions known to humankind. The co-existence of all major religions has enriched and diversified our cultural heritage,” the LG said.

He said that the festivity of the Christmas season was also an occasion to embrace the core values of harmony and brotherhood.

“Our unity is the key to building a just, equitable and vibrant society. Unity provides us with the strength to discharge our duties and responsibilities with commitment and sincerity towards the nation,” LG Sinha said.

He said Jesus Christ's emphasis on the brotherhood of mankind, harmony, selfless action and his fight against discrimination of any kind were of particular significance in today’s world.

“Lord Jesus Christ’s life is a testimony of love, non-violence, peace and forgiveness and his teachings are a source of inspiration for the entire human society. I hope his teachings will guide us for the betterment of society,” the LG said.

Speaking on the occasion, Bishop Jammu-Srinagar Diocese, Rev Ivan Albert Pereira extended the support and cooperation of the Christian community to the government in its endeavours towards inclusive development of J&K.

“We are proud that our government has been engaged in fostering an environment where people of all faiths and communities can live in peace and harmony,” he said.

President All J&K Christian Sabha, Ashu Peter Mattoo, members of CNI Church and Jammu-Srinagar Diocese were also present on the occasion.