Barla calls on Christians to unite for a common purpose

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs John Barla said as a Christian and a member of the Modi ministry, he is willing to act as the bridge for Christians as well as minorities with the government at the Centre.
Speaking as chief guest and in Hindi, at a programme organised by National Christian Council (NCC)Nagaland Chapter here at the Youth Oasis Centre, Eralibil here Sunday, Barla reminded Christians that the community had contributed immensely towards creating a generation of educated and empowered leaders before and after Indian independence.
He however lamented that the community’s works had not been recognised by others as Christians themselves did not share the information about their charitable activities.
He said, after being appointed as a Union Minister, he had collected data from Jharkhand to show Modi the work carried out by the community and how those had provided jobs to many and how almost 98% of students in Christian schools were non-Christian children. “We have not been able properly tell others about our contribution to the nation. This is the reason why many people are ignorant about our work,” he commented.
Barla said it was time for all Christians, irrespective of denominations, to unite and show the whole country the works carried out by the community. The minister shared how catholic bishops, fathers, sisters, etc, had dedicated their lives for the well-being of others, especially in interior areas of the country, including Nagaland. He said even during the worst time of the covid-19 pandemic, they provided healthcare facilities to the poorest of the poor.
Barla urged leaders of all Christian denominations to come together and put forward their suggestions and queries so that these could be raised in Parliament.
He also pointed out that many prominent doctors, engineers and scientists studied in Christian missionary educational institutes. BJP political leaders like Arun Jaitley, Smriti Irani, Lal krishna Advani, Vasundhara Raje and Piyush Goyal were all products of Christian educational institutions.
John Barla lamented that despite huge contributions made by Christians organisations to India, the community has ignored the need to raise up political leaders as they considered politics to be dirty. Barla said he was tasked with minority affairs ministry by prime minister Narendra Modi and has since, been engaged in helping provide central funded projects for minorities.
He also assured to organise a meeting between a group of leaders to represent the community with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah when they visit the state.
He proposed that some time should be made available in churches to make people aware of the schemes and policies available for the benefit of the community.
He assured to work to protect the rights of Christians, while urging everyone to believe in “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas” slogan of Modi.
He also shared details of both ongoing and completed development projects carried out by the Centre in the Northeast.
Meanwhile, a memorandum was submitted to the Union Minister that called for protection of minorities, medical treatment for injured minorities, compensation for minorities’ loss of properties, improved budget fund allocation for minorities, increased financial assistance for minority business community, protection of ST status and to make funds available for historical writings and other literary works for minorities in the Northeast so as to incorporate these in local and national academic curriculum.
In his speech, representative from World Mission Centre, USA said he felt honoured to provide educational training to people of Nagaland and rest of India. He proposed partnership between the Central government and local Christian leaders in identifying a common shared vision.
He encouraged leaders and people to unite and have one vision to have better outcomes for nation building.
President NCC Australia Dr. Charles Nallimelli made special software App for NCC and shared some of the features. Dr. Charles is a successful business entrepreneur using business profits for helping out various ministries. His wife, Grace gave a moving testimony of how she gave up a very lucrative university job for full time ministry for the under privileged.
Short speeches were delivered by Editor-in-chief Nagaland Post Geoffrey Yaden; YMCA president Nagaland Dr. Andrew Ahoto Sema; Naga Student’s Federation president Kegwayhun Tep; Secretary & director commission for health, Diocese of Kohima Fr. Chacko Karinthayil.
The programme was chaired by NCC Nagaland general secretary Rev Dr Vangpong Phom, praise and worship by Khyojano and team, invocation by NCC national president Rev Dr Alamanda Chittibabu, scripture reading by NCC Nagaland youth wing president Rev D James Lotha and NCC Northeast India president Rev NK Gurung welcomed the gathering.
The vote of thanks was delivered by NCC Nagaland president Rev. Dr. T.N. Lotha Jr and exhortation &benediction by founder and president NCC Rev. Dr. Sam Paul.
The programme highlights included launching of NCC app by the chief guest, presentation of certificates & ID cards by the chief guest, songs by Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Naga United Village and Nursing College North East Christian University, special cultural presentation by Eastern Bible College and a special item by Seed of Hope Higher Secondary School.