No compromising secular values: CM

HYDERABAD, DEC. 23. The Chief Minister, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, has affirmed that the Telugu Desam Party and the Government have no compromise as far as secularism is concerned and promised protection and respect to every religion.

In his Christmas message delivered at a reception hosted by him at Jubilee Hall here tonight to a select gathering of Christian religious heads and lay leaders, Mr. Naidu said some elements were creating violence allover the globe forgetting that "we were all members of one universe" and all of us would have to give them peace and good sense. Then, there would be happiness and prosperity.

The 200-odd gathering comprised the Archbishop of Hyderabad, Rt Rev Marampudi Joji, Rev B. P. Sugandhar, Bishop of the Church of South India, Medak, Rev Fr U. Paul Satyanarayana, a prominent member of Society of Jesus which runs Loyola chain of institutions, at least a dozen Ministers, including Mr. T. Devender Goud, Mr. K. Vidyadhara Rao, Mr. P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Mrs. K. Pushpaleela, Mr. C.Krishna Yadav, and leaders like Mrs Della Godfrey, MLA (nominated) and Mr. M.Vijaya Sikhamani,former MLA.

Asked later whether the TDP was reviewing its ties with the NDA in the light of the recent statement by the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, on the Rama temple issue, and attacks on Christians, as sought by Christian organisations and other minorities, Mr. Naidu said, "let us not create any problem in the system" but promised protection to all, irrespective of religion, caste or creed.

In his speech, he said Christ suffered for giving happiness and prosperity to mankind. Christmas was the biggest event in the world. The Chief Minister also complimented Christians for their services in the fields of education and healthcare.

Mr. Naidu cut a Christmas cake. Nativity play was staged on the lawns while Santa Claus moved about greeting the Chief Minister.

Governor's message

The Governor, Dr.C.Rangarajan, said on Saturday that the preachings of Jesus Christ to follow the path of love and compassion and eschewing violence were as relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago.

Addressing Christmas-eve celebrations, in which students and teachers of five schools participated, at Raj Bhavan, he stressed the importance of bringing the preachings into daily life.

The celebrations commenced with carol procession from the Raj Bhavan main gate to the Durbar Hall. The processionists sang "Joy to the World" and "Jingle Bells". Two girls, dressed as angles, flanked the Governor, as he walked with the processionists up to the hall.

About 250 students and teachers of the Marks High School, Raj Bhavan High School, Holy Mary High School, Vijaya Mary Mursing School, Sri Sairam Model School and Holycross High School took part in the celebrations.

The students of Holy Mary High School staged a dance programme, "Yesukreestu puttina roju", while those of the Marks High School presented a play on the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Earlier, Mrs. Mercina Nelson, Principal, Marks High School, welcomed. Ms.Sabita, a X student of Holy Mary High School, proposed a vote of thanks.

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