He highlighting the disparity between the recognition given to bishops in New Delhi and the destruction of Christmas Cribs in Kerala.
Published Dec 24, 2024 | 2:32 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 24, 2024 | 2:32 PM
Metropolitan Yuhanon Meletius. (Facebook)
Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Metropolitan Yuhanon Meletius of the Thrissur diocese in Kerala on Tuesday, 24 December, criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Christmas feast with bishops and called it a drama.
He criticised the event in Delhi, highlighting the disparity between the recognition given to bishops there and the destruction of Christmas Cribs in Kerala.
On Monday, Modi paid a visit to the leaders of the Christian community at the Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) at the CBCI Centre premises in New Delhi. It marked the first time a prime minister has attended such a programme at the headquarters of the Catholic Church in India.
Meletius extended his criticism to both the Union government and the BJP, pointing out the contradiction in Modi honouring the Christmas Crib in New Delhi while a crib in Palakkad was demolished.
Meletius emphasised that individuals from the same political party are involved in these destructive actions, labelling the situation hypocritical.
“There the bishops are honoured and the crib is saluted. Here the crib was destroyed. There is something to be said for this style in Malayalam…!” he wrote sarcastically on Facebook in Malayalam.
He was referring to the incident of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) members threatening teachers for celebrating Christmas at a school in Palakkad.
Three VHP activists, its District Secretary K Anil Kumar, District Joint Secretary V Sushasanan, and Panchayat Committee President K Velayudhan, were arrested following the incident at the Nallepully Government UP School in Chittur.
According to reports, the three VHP activists confronted teachers and students during a Christmas celebration at the school. They reportedly questioned the attire of the teachers and students involved in the celebration and proceeded to use offensive language towards the educators in front of the children.
In a statement to South First, Chittur Police confirmed that the accused have been remanded, and the investigation is ongoing.
During the event in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said the Bible teaches people to carry each other’s burdens and encourages them to care for one another.
Modi said that Jesus Christ showed the world the path of compassion and selfless service.
“We celebrate Christmas and remember Jesus so that we can incorporate these values into our lives and always prioritise our duties. This is not only our responsibility but also a social duty,” he said.
“The teachings of Lord Jesus Christ emphasise love, harmony, and brotherhood. It saddens me when violence and disruption spread in society. The Holy Bible sees hope as a source of strength and peace. We are also guided by hope and positivity. Hope for humanity, hope for a better world and hope for peace, progress and prosperity,” he added.
Modi also recalled his meeting with Cardinal George Koovakad, who was recently elevated to the rank of Cardinal in a solemn ceremony at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
