Mangalore: Vice President M Hamid Ansari said the Christian faith had strengthened the country's secular fabric and enriched the composite Indian identity.
The contribution of the Christian church in social and charitable work in India, especially in education and health sectors has been particularly noteworthy, he said.
Inaugurating the valedictory ceremony of the Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) here on Sunday, he said, "Our land is blessed to have almost all the great religions coexisting peacefully and prospering here for centuries. Members of the Catholic community are fully integrated in the national mainstream and they have served the nation with great distinction in every sphere of life."
Ansari said the association had provided valued services to the people in the field of health and education, especially to the deprived and marginalised sections of society, irrespective of religion, caste and creed.
It had also focused on supporting the local culture, including Konkani language and literature, music and fine arts and had been acting as an effective vehicle for uniting the Catholic community and providing it a coherent voice on issues of interest and concern, he said.
He appreciated the work done by CASK over the last century and expressed the hope that it would continue on the path of selfless service in future.
Latest India News
