CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, Monday extended his greetings to the people of Punjab and Chandigarh, on the joyous occasion of Christmas, the birthday of Jesus Christ.

In a message, on the eve of this auspicious occasion, General Rodrigues said that India has shown the rest of the world how to live in peace and harmony, despite its multi-lingual and multi-cultural identify. Our unity in diversity has acted as a cementing force, to make our nation strong and vibrant.  It is, therefore, incumbent upon all of us to practice and promote the spirit of peace, love and brotherhood, which are common to all religions of the world and also essential components of a healthy and prosperous society.

General Rodrigues further said that the true spirit of Christmas reflects a dedication to helping those in need, to give hope to those in despair, and to focus our attention on those who need love and compassion, thus creating a caring, giving and a classless society. He acknowledged, and placed on record, his appreciation for the people, especially the various NGOs and philanthropists of Punjab and U.T. Chandigarh, for always responding and rising to the occasion and extending help to the needy and poor. He said that the Administration, on its own,  has given top priority to create a congenial environment for harmonious living, the building of good relations and safeguarding the rights and privileges of people in all walks of life. He appealed to the people to renew their commitment to the service of society and the disadvantaged.

 Parkash Singh Badal in his message,  said, "Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Lord Jesus Christ, is an extremely joyous occasion not only for Christians, but the people of all faiths".   He said that the gospels of peace, love, amity and compassion preached by Jesus Christ were still relevant today in the present context.  He hoped that such occasions would help to strengthen the bonds of universal brotherhood and communal harmony besides inspiring the people to dedicate themselves in the services of the mankind to carve out a happy and prosperous society.

The Chief Minister called upon all the Punjabis to celebrate this festival in unison with enthusiasm and fervour to strengthen the secular and social fabric of our nation

The Punjab Local Government and Industries Minister,  Manoranjan Kalia, also extended heartiest felicitations to all the Punjabis especially Christians on the eve of 'Chirstmas'.

In a message,  Kalia said that let this day promote compassion, love and brotherhood amongst all of us ushering in an era of peace and prosperity in the community.

He called upon all the Punjabis to celebrate this festival collectively to strengthen the secular character of our country.