India: CBCI head reiterates Christian contribution to nation-building on the eve of 79th Independence Day

On the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day on August 15, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, highlighed Christian contribution to nation-building.
“Christians in India have made significant contributions to our nation’s freedom struggle and to its ongoing nation-building,” he said, adding, “Many courageous Christians, such as Accamma Cherian, Madhusudan Das, Joseph Baptista, and Amrit Kaur, played notable roles in the freedom struggle.”
“From valiant freedom fighters to tireless service in education, healthcare, social upliftment, and rural development, the Christian community has worked hand in hand with fellow citizens to strengthen the fabric of our nation,” the prelate said.
He also greeted all citizens of India as the country marked Independence Day.
“Independence is a cherished gift, whose value becomes even more significant in our times, when freedom, equality, and justice are constantly tested. True national progress can only be achieved when every citizen enjoys these blessings in full measure. In our richly diverse land, unity, rooted in the vision of our Constitution, is essential for lasting peace and development,” said Thazhath.
In a press note, Thazhath reiterated the Indian government’s duty and responsibility to protect all people as mandated by the Constitution.
“It is the sacred duty of the Government and all political parties to protect the rights and values guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said. “In a nation where people of many faiths live together, the safety, dignity, and freedom of minorities are vital to our integrity as a people. Recent attacks on minorities by anti-social elements threaten this harmony and must be addressed with urgency.”
“On this day, I pray that we may live without fear, in freedom, dignity, and mutual respect. May God bless India,” he added.
The British ruled India from 1858 to 1947.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.