Independence Day Message from H.H. Moran Mor Dr. Samuel Theophilus Metropolitan

My beloved brothers and sisters, today we celebrate Independence Day of our beloved nation-India. I’m immensely proud to be an Indian as I speak to you on this occasion. I’m proud of the journey our great nation has made since independence. Our vibrant democracy and the countless achievements India has made across fields from science and technology to education, medicine, culture and social progress. In its economic stability Bharat is the fourth economy in the world and soon it will rise to the third position. One of the greatest and recent achievements that fills every Indian heart with joy is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force, the man who created history by becoming the first Indian to enter the International Space Station. This milestone demonstrates India’s growing leadership in space exploration and technological innovation.

We are grateful for the visionary leadership of our prime minister Shri Narendra Modiji who continues to inspire millions through his dedication, tireless work and commitment to building a strong and self-reliant India. As our prime minister always say, India’s strength lies in her diversity. Our nation’s progress will be all the more meaningful if it touches every fabric and sections of our society.

The Christian faithful, we are duty bound to pray for our country and her leaders. Every week in our parishes across India, we all join together in our liturgical worship and remember our great nation and our leaders in prayer. As it is said in the holy scripture, “I urge then first of all that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

Today we also remember the sacrifices of our brave soldiers, law enforcement officers and all those who have given their lives to protect the sovereignty and freedom of our country. We remember our great freedom fighters whose courage and vision paved the way for the independence we cherish today. Mahatma Gandhi said, “The soul of India lives in its villages.” It is in these villages that the church should deeply be committed to transforming and building communities and meeting the basic needs of our beloved brothers and sisters. And this was the vision of our reposed Metropolitan father Athansius Yohan I Metropolitan which I assure you I too will continue and keep very very close to my heart.

Our sincere prayer is that India will continue on its upward trajectory becoming ever stronger and more influential in the world. While we also ensure that the downtrodden, the underprivileged are uplifted and justice and dignity reach every corner of our beloved land. May we celebrate and enjoy Independence Day of this great nation. And may God Almighty bless our beloved India. Jai Hind!