NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders including Union defense minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday greeted the nation on the occasion of Christmas.
Extending his greetings to the citizens on the occasion of Christmas, President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday called for adopting the teachings of Jesus Christ in our lives.
“Merry Christmas to fellow citizens, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters, in India and abroad. On this joyous occasion, let us resolve to build a society that is based on the values of justice and liberty and adopt the teachings of Jesus Christ in our lives,” tweeted Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also recalled the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, adding that they placed topmost emphasis on service, kindness and humility.
Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister said, “Christmas greetings to everyone! We recall the life and noble teachings of Jesus Christ, which placed topmost emphasis on service, kindness and humility. May everyone be healthy and prosperous. May there be harmony all around.”

Wishing for “peace and harmony”, Rajnath Singh tweeted: “Merry Christmas. May the virtues of kindness, peace, love and harmony always prevail. Merry Christmas.”

Other politicians such as the Union law minister Kiren Rijiju, wished people by sharing a video of himself.
“May the divine love of God descend into your home to make it a piece of heaven. This Christmas, I wish you all find peace and prosperity in every sphere of your life. Merry Christmas.”

Christmas is being widely celebrated across the country with much fervour.
Midnight mass was held at several churches in Goa, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Puducherry, West Bengal, Karnataka following COVID protocols.
Christmas is celebrated every year on December 25 and marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is commemorated by the Christian community and others across the globe by singing carols and exchanging gifts, as the festival aims to spread the message of peace and prosperity.
In view of rising Covid-19 cases, Christmas is being marked across the world with many restrictions.
In India too, prayer meetings were held in churches across the country, following Covid protocols.
(With agency inputs)