Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed admiration for the Christian community on Monday, commending its pivotal role in shaping society and fostering a spirit of service.

During an interaction with community members at his residence on Christmas, Modi reminisced about his enduring and warm relationships with Christians, highlighting their consistent dedication to serving the less fortunate. He said, "My relationship with the Christian community is very old, and I have had a warm relationship with them. I regularly used to meet the leaders of the Christian community when I was the Gujarat CM."

Modi acknowledged the significant contributions of Christian-run institutions in the health and education sectors, emphasizing their widespread impact throughout the country. He lauded the community's commitment to social welfare.

"Several leaders of Christian community were involved in the freedom struggle. They have played a crucial role in showing the society the right path," said the prime minister.

Reflecting on the life message of Jesus Christ, Modi underscored the core values of compassion and service, emphasizing Christ's dedication to building an inclusive society where justice prevails for all. According to the prime minister, these values serve as a "guiding light" in his government's development endeavors.

Modi drew parallels between the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Upanishads, revered as the foundation of Hindu philosophy. He noted the common focus on realizing absolute truth found in both the Bible and the Upanishads.

In promoting unity and progress, Modi encouraged people to leverage their shared values and heritage. He emphasized the importance of cooperation and coordination, coupled with the spirit of "sabka prayas" (collective effort), as essential elements that can elevate the country to new heights.