New Delhi, December 6, 2025
KRISTU MAHOTSAV 2025, the national inter-religious ecumenical Christmas celebration, concluded in New Delhi with an inspiring display of unity, compassion, and inclusivity. The celebration brought together more than 600 specially-abled and underprivileged children, reaffirming the event’s enduring commitment to creating a society where every child is valued and no one is left behind.
The evening opened with a deeply moving Buddy March led by the Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, who walked hand-in-hand with specially-abled children in a powerful symbol of dignity, solidarity, and human connection. Ambassadors, diplomats, and senior ecclesiastical leaders joined him in this remarkable procession, transforming it into a historic moment that received a heartfelt standing ovation. Distinguished dignitaries in attendance included H.E. Mr. Reuben Gauci, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta; H.E. Mr. João Ribeiro de Almeida, Ambassador of Portugal; H.E. Mr. Karlito Nunes, Ambassador of Timor-Leste; H.E. Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of Peru; and H.E. Mr. Omar Castañeda, Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala. Their presence highlighted the spirit of global friendship and the shared belief in inclusion as a universal value
The event was enriched by the participation of key faith leaders, including Most Rev. Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, Secretary General of the CBCI; Rev. Dr. Mathew Koyickal, Deputy Secretary General of the CBCI; Rev. Dr. Josey Thamarassery CMI, Vicar General; Rev. Fr. Varghese Vallikkatt, Chief Vicar General of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church; Rev. Fr. Mathew Kiriyanthan CMI of the Paralympic Association of Kerala and Wheelchair Basketball Association; Rev. Fr. Roy Kannanchira CMI, President of ACRCI; and Rev. Dr. Roby Kannamchirayil CMI, Director of the Chavara Cultural Centre. Their collective participation added depth, spiritual resonance, and cultural richness to the event.
Jointly organised by the Chavara Cultural Centre, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), and the Association of Catholic Rehabilitation Centres in India (ACRCI), KRISTU MAHOTSAV 2025 also marked the fifth anniversary of the Chavara Cultural Centre. The event reaffirmed its dedication to interfaith harmony, cultural dialogue, and social transformation. Guided by the theme “Including Everyone, Excluding None,” the celebration featured more than fifteen powerful and uplifting performances by differently-abled children, ranging from wheelchair dance and inclusive choir to theatre and cultural presentations that radiated extraordinary talent, courage, and joy.
A significant moment of the evening was the release of a new book authored by Hon’ble Governor Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, unveiled on stage during the celebration. Containing poems and songs written by Dr. Bose, the book echoed themes of compassion, peace, and the triumph of the human spirit, perfectly complementing the message of the event.
Reflecting on the spirit of the occasion, Hon’ble Governor Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose described the children as “the true stars of Christmas—reminding us that peace grows when we include and uplift one another.” His words captured the essence of the evening and offered a reminder of the values that guide both the celebration and the broader work of institutions committed to social and cultural transformation.
Dr. Asif Iqbal, a prominent voice in international cultural diplomacy, expressed his admiration for the event’s ethos, stating, “Kristu Mahotsav stands as a testament to the power of compassion and the universality of Christmas. When children lead the celebration—with their innocence, resilience, and joy—we are reminded that humanity is at its best when it embraces every individual with warmth and dignity.”
KRISTU MAHOTSAV 2025 concluded with renewed hope, goodwill, and a collective commitment to fostering peace, compassion, and inclusion—values that transcend borders and faiths, and continue to illuminate the true spirit of Christmas.
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