Rev Dr L Lima Jamir
Every Indian is to be proud because we are the largest democratic country in the world. Every Indian is to be proud because all the major religions in this country, including Christianity, because of one of the disciples of Jesus came to India in AD 52 and established the church. Every Indian is to be proud because God has blessed us with more than 12,000 languages. Every Indian is to be proud because of cultural diversities. Diversities make India rich and colorful.
We are proud of our Constitution which guarantees Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, and Social Justice and Ensures Equality. We are proud of our Constitution because it affirms a Secular Democratic nation. We thank God for this great nation and its people.
Today, this great democratic country is under attack because of the vested interest of a few political leaders and their cronies. To capture political power, they are the people on the basis of religions, languages, caste, gender and race. They are denying diversity and want to build a nation based on One Religion, One Language, and One Uniform Civil Code. This is nothing but a denial of the riches of this great nation. Hindutva is not a solution for this country. People who deny diversity are a threat to peaceful co-existence and the secular fabric of Democracy in India. Political parties who support Hindutva ideology are a threat to peace-loving citizens. Today minorities live in constant fear. Their worship places are attacked. Minorities are persecuted and killed in many parts of India. Stop abuse of religions. Allow people to live in peace. We do not want a nation where some of its citizens are treated like second-class citizens.
A nation can progress only when we take the path of Justice, Respect for others, Love for others and Care for one another. A nation can progress only when its citizens exercise their rightful franchise without intimation. A nation can progress only when its citizens are allowed to contribute their best. A nation can progress only when its leaders and citizens exercise responsible freedom.
Love of money, love of power and self-pride is robbing people’s rights. We want a people-centered government, but not governments controlled by a few cooperate. We do not want a short-term scheme-centered government but a government that empowers people to live a dignified life. We want a government that creates jobs for our young generations by promoting informal sectors, but not a government that promotes a few cooperates. We want a government that works for social upliftment, but not a government that makes people dependent on relief supply. We want a government that protects the environment for future generations, but not a government that sells people’s resources to cooperate. We want a government that is committed to developing rural communities, not just urban areas. Every citizen of the country needs Acha Din. Where is it? Where has it gone? Let us vote for a party that stands for secular democratic principle, affirms diversity, and respects the riches of God’s blessings.
To conclude my speech I want to read out a Scripture that is taken out from the book of Romans 13:1-5 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.” Amen
Short speech delivered on Prayer for Peace organised by Dimapur Area Ao Ordained Ministers’ Fellowship on April 9, 2024.
