On December 26, 2024, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha attended the Christmas celebrations organised by the All J&K Christian Sabha in Jammu, where he interacted with the Bishop, Priests, and members of the Church of North India Church, Jammu-Srinagar Diocese. The event was a heartfelt occasion to celebrate the teachings of Lord Jesus Christ and reflect on their relevance in fostering peace, compassion, and unity within society. He began by commending the Christian community for their unwavering dedication to the service of society. He highlighted their significant contributions to sectors such as education, healthcare, and social welfare. “The Christian community has selflessly served society and made immense contributions in the fields of education and healthcare,” said LG Sinha. His words were not only an acknowledgment of their past efforts but also a call for others to be inspired by their example of service and compassion. In his address, LG Sinha emphasised that the teachings of Lord Jesus Christ provide timeless guidance for humanity. He particularly underscored the moral and spiritual importance of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion in today’s world. “Our prime objective is to light the lamp of love, kindness, and brotherhood in the heart of every citizen,” the LG stated, urging every section of society to imbibe the values of Christ. He further reminded the gathering that Jesus had always stressed the need for purity in thought, selfless actions, and doing good deeds without expecting anything in return. “We need to make selfless service our motto,” he added, underlining the importance of embodying these values in everyday life. Speaking on the importance of unity, LG Manoj Sinha stressed that it is the key to building a just, equitable, and vibrant society. “Unity provides us the strength to discharge our duties and responsibilities with commitment and sincerity towards the nation,” he said. His words echoed the belief that mutual respect and harmonious living are essential for the progress of any society. He also placed special emphasis on the younger generation, urging them to honour the rich legacy of spiritual values passed down through generations and to work towards equality and fraternity. “The youth are the inheritors of the rich legacy of our spiritual values, and they must work for equality and fraternity,” the LG noted. In a broader reflection on the nation’s heritage, the Lieutenant Governor spoke of India’s unique and ageless culture, one that has witnessed the coexistence of almost all major religions. He pointed out that this inter-religious harmony has enriched and diversified the country’s cultural fabric, making it stronger and more resilient in the face of challenges. “India’s culture is unique and ageless. This great country has been a witness to the coexistence of almost all major religions known to humankind. The coexistence of all major religions has enriched and diversified our cultural heritage,” said LG Sinha, reaffirming India’s commitment to secularism and tolerance. Echoing the values of brotherhood and selfless action, the Lieutenant Governor noted that Lord Jesus Christ’s life and teachings are of particular significance in today’s world. His emphasis on brotherhood, harmony, selfless action, and his fight against discrimination of any kind remains an inspiration for society at large. “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 Lieutenant Governor said. Most Rev. Ivan Albert Pereira, Bishop of Jammu-Srinagar Diocese, also spoke at the event, extending the Christian community’s support to the government in its efforts toward the inclusive development of Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed pride in the government’s role in fostering an environment where people of all faiths and communities can live in peace and harmony. The event was attended by Sh Ashu Peter Mattoo, President of the All J&K Christian Sabha, as well as members of the CNI Church, youth, community members, heads of various institutions and organizations, and prominent citizens from all walks of life.