Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
I write to you not merely as Founder & Editor-in-Chief of GoaChronicle, not just as a Christian, but as an Indian deeply committed to your vision of Viksit Bharat – a nation built on development, inclusivity, and spiritual strength. Over the years, you have repeatedly demonstrated through your outreach, your messaging, and your presence at Christian celebrations that India’s Christian community is valued and respected. From your interactions with Christian leaders to your emphasis on “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,” you have made a conscious effort to reassure Christians that they are equal partners in India’s onward march to greatness.
Yet today, this goodwill is being undermined by the unacceptable actions of a small but disruptive group of religious bigots who have taken it upon themselves to attack Christmas celebrations and intimidate Christians during one of the holiest periods of our faith. These shameful acts do not reflect Hindu civilisation, which has always stood for acceptance, respect for all faiths, and a culture that welcomes diverse beliefs. Instead, they give oxygen to divisive and hostile narratives that seek to present India as a country turning intolerant toward minorities.
Christians represent barely 2.3 percent of the population, yet play an outsized role in shaping India’s social service infrastructure. Our schools, hospitals, and charitable organisations have uplifted countless Indians, the vast majority of whom are not Christian. Our community has contributed immensely to the defence, economy, science, culture, and social upliftment of this nation. Indian Christians are deeply patriotic and spiritually committed to the land of their birth.
So when a mob attacks a church, destroys a nativity scene, threatens a choir, or smears allegations of conversion at every expression of Christian faith, it sends a chilling message that Christians are suspect in the land they love, serve, and enrich. This not only erodes trust but threatens the very unity upon which your vision of Viksit Bharat rests. Religious freedom is not a privilege granted at the discretion of the majority; it is a constitutional right endowed to every Indian.
These fringe elements who claim to act in the name of Hindutva are in fact damaging the moral essence of Hindu civilisation, which has historically been a sanctuary of tolerance and coexistence. True Dharma does not manifest in hatred. True Hindu values shine when they protect the vulnerable and embrace diversity. Attacking Christians is not a show of strength – it is a betrayal of the very principles that have defined Bharat through centuries.
Prime Minister Modi, the consequences of these attacks go far beyond local intimidation. They are rapidly becoming tools in the hands of those who seek to weaken India internationally. At a time when India is asserting itself as a global leader – in diplomacy, economic transformation, technological innovation, and cultural influence – these acts offer ammunition to foreign critics who want to portray India as unsafe for minorities. They negate the progress you have made in building bridges with Christian communities across the world – from Vatican City to the global Indian diaspora.
Optics matter in international relations. Diplomacy demands consistency between words and events on the ground. Every attack becomes a ready-made headline for hostile foreign media. Every incident becomes a data point for organisations seeking to paint India in a poor light. Every video shared online becomes a propaganda tool for adversaries determined to undermine India’s rise. No nation on the cusp of global leadership should allow such self-inflicted wounds.
Moreover, Viksit Bharat cannot be built if minorities fear for their identity or safety. Economic development needs social harmony; international trust requires domestic unity. If even a small percentage of Indians feel alienated, insecure, or unwanted, the foundation of national progress becomes unstable. Christians are not asking for special treatment; they are simply asking for equality, dignity, and the assurance that they will not be targeted for practicing their faith.
Those who attack Christmas celebrations do not strengthen India; they weaken it. They sabotage your efforts to unite this nation under one shared identity of progress and patriotism. They create unnecessary divisions where unity is the real need of the hour. And they threaten to fracture the growing support for your inclusive outreach among minority communities.
This is why decisive action is necessary. Those responsible for church vandalism, harassment of Christians, or incitement against Christmas must be held accountable swiftly and publicly – regardless of their political or ideological affiliations. Clear instructions should be issued to state administrations to ensure full protection of Christian celebrations. Empowering Christian leaders with reassurance and open dialogue from the highest office would demonstrate that India stands firmly for the constitutional rights of all citizens.
Prime Minister Modi, you are the most influential leader in India’s modern history. Millions draw inspiration and direction from your words – and your silence. Allowing fringe elements to dictate the tone of Hindu nationalism risks shifting the movement from civilisational pride to fearful aggression. A confident civilisation does not attack carol singers or churches; it protects them. Your leadership has shown that India can uphold its civilisational identity without compromising its pluralistic soul.
This is the moment to reinforce that message loudly and clearly. It is the moment to ensure that Viksit Bharat remains an inclusive dream where Christians and every minority community feel not just tolerated but respected and embraced. It is the moment to stop the hate before it becomes a weapon in India’s enemies’ hands and a wedge between communities at home.
The Christmas season is a celebration of peace, goodwill, and hope. The Christian community believes in the promise of India – a nation that has given us opportunity, identity, and belonging. We ask only that those who tarnish this nation’s conscience be confronted and stopped before they cause irreversible damage to India’s global reputation and domestic unity.
Prime Minister Modi, India is strongest when every Indian, regardless of faith, feels like family. Let us protect that unity. Let us uphold the Constitution. Let us ensure that the road to Viksit Bharat is paved with trust, understanding, and shared pride.
