Chittoor Collector Siddarth Jain on Wednesday launched the pre-Christmas celebrations at Zilla Parishad Meeting Hall here attended by the pastors of over hundred independent churches from all over the district.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Siddarth Jain said that Christ stood as an icon of humanism and universal brotherhood. “Teachings of Christ prove that humanism is the greatest quality and surpass race, nationality and religion. Freedom of religion means respecting other religions too,” he said.
Earlier, he lighted candles at the portrait of Lord Jesus and cut the cake along with schoolchildren. On this occasion, the gathering observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the slain schoolchildren in Peshawar massacre.
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Additional Joint Collector Venkata Subba Reddy said that the State government issued directions for holding the pre-Christmas celebration through the minorities’ corporation. “Lord Jesus died on the Cross to pave the way for the peace and happiness of mankind,” he said.
Deputy Director (Information) Vijayalakshmi, CSI functionaries, pastors and students took part in the event.