Kristu Jayanti 2021

Kristu Jayanti 2021

Inter-Religious Ecumenical Christmas Celebration

20 December 2021 | YMCA, New Delhi

On 20 December 2021, amid the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi organized Kristu Jayanti 2021, an Inter-Religious Ecumenical Christmas Celebration at YMCA, New Delhi. Conducted with strict adherence to pandemic protocols and coordinated security arrangements, the event witnessed a limited but meaningful gathering, reflecting resilience, responsibility, and hope during uncertain times. The celebration was formally inaugurated by Shri Rajendra Pal Gautam, Hon’ble Minister of Water, Art, Culture and Language, Government of Delhi, who emphasized the importance of harmony, social justice, and interfaith unity in contemporary India. The programme was graced by a distinguished panel of national leaders, Members of Parliament, spiritual heads, and representatives of various faith traditions. Among the eminent dignitaries present were Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture; Shri Ram Niwas Goel, Speaker, Delhi Legislative Assembly; His Grace Anil Joseph T. Couto, Archbishop of Delhi; Mar Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, Archbishop of Faridabad; Rev. Fr. Martin Mallath CMI, General Councillor for Education and Media; Rev. Fr. Varghese Vinayanand OIC, Apostolic Administrator; Shri Alphons Kannanthanam IAS, Member of Rajya Sabha; Shri Jose K. Mani, Member of Rajya Sabha; Shri Binoy Viswam, Member of Rajya Sabha; Shri Thomas Chazhikadan, Member of Rajya Sabha; Shri Anto Antony, Member of Parliament; Shri Benny Behanan, Member of Parliament; Shri John Brittas, Member of Rajya Sabha; Shri A. Vijayakumar, Member of Rajya Sabha; Shri Hibi Eden, Member of Parliament; Adv. Dean Kuriakose, Member of Parliament; Shri Atif Rasheed, Vice Chairman, National Commission for Minorities; Smt. Annie Raja, General Secretary, National Federation of Indian Women; and Rev. Dr. Paul Moonjely, Executive Director, Caritas India. The interreligious gathering also included respected spiritual leaders and representatives such as Swami Shantatmananda (Ramakrishna Mission, Delhi), Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar (Judah Hyam Synagogue, Delhi), Acharya Vivek Muni Ji Maharaj, Most Ven. Ravi Medhankar (World Buddhist Mission), Dr. A. K. Merchant, Shri Sanjay Jain, Shri George Kallivayalil, Shri Jagdeep Singh, Dr. Shrenaz Cama, and Smt. Reena Charles, among others. Religious leaders from Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, and Christian traditions offered prayers and reflections, presenting Christmas as a universal message of love, compassion, justice, and peace. The presence of leaders from diverse ideological and religious backgrounds powerfully symbolized the spirit of “Accept, Respect and Celebrate Diversity. ”The programme was spiritually enriched by inspiring musical performances. Christ Music Society rendered a beautiful and uplifting performance that added depth and festivity to the celebration. Christmas carols and multilingual musical presentations created a joyful and prayerful atmosphere despite the limited physical gathering due to pandemic restrictions.