Bharat’s unity lies not in uniformity but in mutual respect and shared values, says Vice-President

The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, on Thursday (December 18, 2025) participated in a Christmas celebration organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) in Delhi and extended warm greetings and best wishes to the Christian community ahead of the festival.

The Vice-President said that Christmas is a celebration of universal values such as peace, compassion, humility and service to humanity. He noted that the message of love, harmony and moral courage taught by Lord Jesus Christ has timeless relevance and resonates deeply with India’s own spiritual traditions that emphasise coexistence, compassion and respect for human dignity. 

On the occasion he lauded the community’s sustained work in education, healthcare, social reform and human development, which has reached even the remotest parts of the country, and described it as an integral part of nation-building.

Emphasising India’s pluralistic ethos, the Vice President said that Bharat’s unity lies not in uniformity but in mutual respect and shared values. He emphasised that there is no need for any fear psychosis, as peace and harmony prevail in the country. 

Drawing a parallel between the spirit of Christmas and the national vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat articulated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that just as Christmas brings people of different faiths together in joy, the idea of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat calls upon citizens to celebrate India’s diversity while standing united as one nation.

The Vice-President urged all stakeholders to continue their constructive contribution towards the national goal of Viksit Bharat@2047.