AHMEDABAD: His Grace Pulikkottil Dr Geevarghese Mar Yulios, Metropolitan of Ahmedabad Diocese, has hailed Prime Minister, Shri Narendra  Modi’s Christmas message on ‘Maan Ki Baat’ broadcast on December 31 as ‘great and touching.’
The radio programme hosted by the Prime Minister mentioned removal of discrimination against Muslim women, and links the New Year message with Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25, delivering a contextual message, which was greatly appreciated by many followers of ‘Maan Ki Baat’!
The letter further notes that the message revealed by the angels in heaven about ‘the good tidings for all the people in the world’ was understood only by the shepherds in the field, poorest strata in the society, and praises the prime minister who said explicitly that ‘Christ came to this world to serve others, and not to be served,’, thus conveying the essence of the Holy Scripture and a quote from the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh.
The letter notes that as a religious leader especially from religious minorities and as a student and teacher of religious philosophy, Mar Yulios greatly appreciates Modi’s message and values it deeply and prays that God help to keep the religious and social harmony of the land!
The letter begins with self-introduction and personal meetings with Modi during the election campaign in 2014 at Ernakulam along with senior Bishop, Mar Thomas Athanasios of Baroda, and attending the oath-taking ceremony at New Delhi as Prime Minister. Subsequently, His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose-II, spiritual Head and Primate of the Indian Orthodox Church, along with a group delegation, also visited the PMO and extended prayers and wishes.
Mar Yulios as Head and Metropolitan of the Diocese of Ahmedabad of the National Church in India, the Indian Orthodox Church, with jurisdiction over Gujarat, part of the states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Sultanate of Oman in Gulf and Republic of Yemen, with headquarters at Kottayam (Kerala), and local headquarters at Naroda in Ahmedabad, wishes the prime minister new hope, aspirations and joy in the year ahead.
The Metropolitan mentions the various social, cultural, educational and charitable activities in Gujarat and other states in India for the benefit of public at large, irrespective of caste, religion or gender. Mention is also made of managing and running a number of institutions of higher excellence in Ahmedabad, Baroda and other cities in Gujarat, Indore and nearby cities in Madhya Pradesh, Udaipur and in Rajasthan including semi-urban areas.
Lastly, Mar Yulios assures Modi about continuing to do the best and assist the states regarding matters of social concern as the Diocese has been receiving good encouragement and help from the government of Gujarat over the years.
Mar Yulios wishes the prime minister good health, success and happiness with new hopes, dreams, prosperity and happiness in the New Year.
The letter dated January 9 issued from Naroda also expresses desire to meet the prime minister personally at New Delhi or Gandhinagar for granting of blessings. ~ LC