Archbishop of Bengaluru extends Easter message of peace, unity, hope
Bengaluru: Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, extended warm Easter greetings to the people of Karnataka and the nation, urging them to embrace the spirit of resurrection as a source of renewed hope, compassion, and unity.
Highlighting the significance of Easter, Archbishop Machado stated that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is not merely a historical event but a profound spiritual reality. "Easter continues to inspire faith, courage, and transformation in the hearts of believers and all people of goodwill," he affirmed.
Emphasising the universal nature of the Easter message, the Archbishop reflected on the words of the Risen Christ to His disciples, “Peace be with you.” He noted that these words carry enduring relevance, especially in today’s world marked by conflict and division. “They remind us of our collective call to nurture harmony, extend forgiveness, and build bridges of understanding in our communities and nation,” he said.
Calling on all citizens to rise above despair and discouragement, Archbishop Machado urged a renewed commitment to values of love, justice, and solidarity. He expressed hope that the holy season would fill homes and hearts with divine grace, inner strength, and lasting joy.
The Archbishop concluded by extending his prayers and blessings beyond the boundaries of religion, stating that the message of Easter is meant for all. “May this Easter inspire in each one of us a new dawn of peace, hope, and countless blessings,” he said.
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Om Birla attends swearing-in of new B'desh PM, says India stands ready to support BNP govt
New Delhi (PTI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday attended the swearing-in ceremony of new Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, and said India stands ready to support Bangladesh's endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation.
Separately, the speaker called on the new Bangladesh prime minister and conveyed the wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also handed over an invitation from Prime Minister Modi to Rahman to visit India, officials said here.
“Glad to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka today. India stands ready to support Bangladesh’s endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation,” Birla posted on X.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, said in a post on X, “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman conveys his greetings to India and PM Narendra Modi to the visiting India Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at a courtesy meet following the swearing-in of the new government.
“Speaker Birla conveyed wishes and an invitation to India. Both leaders expressed optimism to work together for the well-being of the people of Bangladesh and India, pursuing a people-centric menu of cooperation.”
Birla also met Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and other leaders on the sidelines of the event.
Led by Rahman, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) swept to power with a two-thirds majority with 49.97 per cent votes and 209 seats in the polls held on February 12, results for which were declared on February 13.
The Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971, registered its best-ever performance with 31.76 per cent votes and 68 seats.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) secured the third-highest number of seats, six, and 3.05 per cent votes.
Bangladesh had invited Narendra Modi to the ceremony, but the prime minister could not attend the event as he was scheduled to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday.
On reaching Dhaka, Birla said the swearing-in of Rahman was an important moment that would strengthen people-to-people relations and shared democratic values between the two neighbours.
“Honoured to be in Dhaka representing India at the swearing-in ceremony of the new government led by Tarique Rahman as the prime minister. It's an important moment that will strengthen people-to-people ties and shared democratic values between our two nations,” Birla said.
Birla was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials.
