The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the closing ceremony of the Bicentenary Celebrations of the Diocese of Calcutta today (December 13, 2015) in Kolkata.

Speaking on the occasion, the President saidevery religion preaches the fundamental values of humanity.In India, several major religions have thrived due to its assimilative character that has come to define our civilization over the centuries. People professing different faiths have lived here in harmony for a long time.

The President said it is the mosaic of being multi-religious that makes our nation an oasis of peaceful co-existence and communal harmony. It is here that the Christian community is looked upon with respect for their peaceful and humanitarian nature and for their magnanimous contributions to nation building. The fabric of our society would remain strong when every individual irrespective of caste, creed, language, region and religion can live and partake in progress without fear and prejudice.

The President congratulated the Diocese of Calcuttaon completing two hundred years of its fruitful journey of service and commitment to the city of Kolkata and society at large. He said it has shown the way through its respectful conduct of multifarious humanitarian activities and set an example for others to follow. He urged the Diocesan Family of Kolkata to keep up the good work and continue making a difference to the lives of citizens.

The release issued 1830 hrs.