PM Modi attends a Christmas prayer service and shares messages of peace, even as reports of vandalism in some states spark debate on social harmony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a Christmas prayer service on Wednesday, interacting with clergy and members of the Christian community while highlighting the festival’s message of love, peace and compassion. Dressed in white, the Prime Minister later shared photographs on social media, saying the spirit of Christmas should inspire harmony and mutual respect in society.

Earlier in the day, Modi had extended Christmas greetings to the nation, invoking the teachings of Jesus Christ and expressing hope that the festival would bring joy and positivity to people across the country. His participation in the service was seen as part of a broader outreach to minority communities, continuing a pattern that included public interactions during Christian festivals in previous years.

At the same time, reports from parts of Chhattisgarh and Assam alleged that right-wing groups had damaged Christmas decorations and school displays, triggering criticism online. The incidents, though localised, sparked debate over the gap between official messages of inclusivity and events on the ground.

The Prime Minister’s visible engagement with Christmas celebrations sends a signal of interfaith outreach at the national level. However, recurring reports of vandalism during religious festivals underline the need for stronger local enforcement and clearer messaging to ensure that public assurances of harmony translate into everyday reality.