Christmas message: Archbishop of Bangalore calls for peace, unity, respect for Human Dignity
Bengaluru: Archbishop of Bangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, has said that Christmas is a universal celebration that transcends religious boundaries and carries a timeless message of hope, love and new beginnings.
In his Christmas message issued on December 24, Archbishop Machado said the birth of Jesus Christ reminds humanity that God chose to enter human history not through power or privilege, but in humility and simplicity. He said Christmas calls upon people to rediscover the values of compassion, forgiveness and mutual respect.
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“Christmas urges us to move away from fear and suspicion and to build bridges of understanding and solidarity,” the Archbishop said.
Highlighting the principle of human dignity, Archbishop Machado said that God created every human being in His own image and likeness, bestowing equal dignity on all. This truth, he said, leaves no room for discrimination, violence or exclusion. He added that people are called to live as brothers and sisters, working together for peace, justice and the common good.
Appealing to people of goodwill, the Archbishop urged a renewed commitment to peace, unity and harmony. He called upon families, neighbourhoods and communities to become spaces of dialogue, care for the poor and concern for the vulnerable.
On behalf of the Christian community, Archbishop Machado extended Christmas greetings to all and prayed that the sacred season would renew commitment to humanity and nation-building. “Christmas calls us to replace hatred with humanity, division with dialogue, and fear with hope,” he said.
Meanwhile, senior political leaders visited the Archbishop’s House in Bengaluru to convey Christmas greetings. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar visited the Archbishop on December 20, 2025, during a Christmas gathering. Chief Minister Siddaramiah also met Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado on December 23, 2025, to greet him on the occasion of Christmas.
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New Zealand beat India by 50 runs in fourth T20I
Visakhapatnam (PTI): New Zealand defeated India by 50 runs in the fourth T20 International here on Wednesday.
Asked to bat first, New Zealand scored 215 for seven after the visitors got a flying start with Tim Seifert (62 off 36 balls) and Devon Conway (44 off 23) adding 100 runs in just 8.2 overs.
However, the Indian bowlers pulled things back somewhat in the back 10 with Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav picking up two wickets each before Daryl Mitchell provided the late impetus with an 18-ball 39.
In reply, India were all out for 165 in 18.4 overs despite Shivam Dube's brutal 23-ball 65 and Rinku Singh's 30-ball 39.
Skipper Mitchell Santner picked up 3/26 in four overs to emerge as the best bowler for New Zealand.
Brief scores:
New Zealand: 215/7 in 20 overs (Tim Seifert 62, Devon Conway 44, Daryl Mitchell not out 39; Arshdeep Singh 2/33, Kuldeep Yadav 2/29).
India: 165 all out in 18.4 overs (Shivam Dube 65, Rinku Singh 39; Mitchell Santner 3/26).
