The RSS, which together with the BJP participated in the Christmas celebrations earlier this month here, may soon launch a larger Christian front in line with its ‘Muslim Rashitrya Manch’ to “deepen harmony and understanding” with the minority community.
Having spread its branches in the Christian-dominant Kerala, Nagaland and Mizoram with BJP making political inroads in these states, particularly in the southern State, the RSS is now seeking to have wider relationships with the Christian community and churches.
Senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar has taken the initiative to “refresh bonds” which may lead to formation of a Christian Front in future, according to sources.
Indresh attended the Christmas celebrations in the NDMC Convention Centre on January nine along with BJP Vice-President Shyam Jaju. The major organizations that attended this celebration included National United Christian Front, National council of YMCA, Kerala Christian Association and Telugu Christian Welfare Association.
An RSS leader said the programme was organized by several Christian organisations and NGOs on the occasion of Christmas and New Year to cherish the peace, love and brotherhood in the society. It focused on building relationships between various religious groups and commitment to build a strong India for future, he maintained
Vice-Chairman, Minority Commission, George Kurian, Archbishop Anil J Couto and Richard Hey, MP were guests of honour.
The programme theme was ‘Christmas message of love, peace and harmony from Indian soil.’ BJP leader Jaju, who also spoke on the occasion, said there is a need to celebrate different festivals together and spread message of tolerance. He said festivals like Christmas and Deepawali should be celebrated together in the country. “It is our national culture to carry everyone together,” he said.
He offered no comments on whether the BJP would float a Christian Manch saying the Christmas celebrations were the initiative of Indresh.
“We believe a time like ours today needs a lot of cooperation, friendship and fellowship with one another beyond any barriers of religion, region, caste and colour. It is important that India remains a strong and powerful nation as it is championing in various areas among the Asian countries,” the RSS leader said speaking about the Christmas celebrations.
He said the purpose of the programme was to motivate one and all to stay together as a nation forgetting disparities, disunity and bitterness so that our nation will be blessed and the future of India will be prosperous.