The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) has marked India’s 77th Republic Day by calling on citizens to uphold moral responsibility, protect human dignity and strengthen trust within the nation.
In a Republic Day message, EFI General Secretary Rev. Vijayesh Lal said India’s founders envisioned the country not only as a strong nation, but as one guided by moral principles. He said the Constitution was shaped by the belief that power must be limited, conscience safeguarded and the vulnerable protected.
Referring to Dr B. R. Ambedkar, Rev. Lal noted that constitutional morality does not develop automatically, but must be consciously practised. He said the Republic depends not only on authority, but on ethical discipline and respect for human dignity, especially in a diverse society.
Rev. Lal said Indian Christians are an integral part of the nation’s story and moral vision. He emphasised that the Christian community has long contributed to the country through education, healthcare and service, and continues to pray for the peace and wellbeing of the nation.
He added that Christian faith encourages respect for the law and those in authority, while also affirming the equal worth of every person. This belief, he said, strengthens national loyalty rather than weakening it, as it rejects the idea that any individual can be treated as expendable.
Acknowledging that social trust is under strain in the present climate, Rev. Lal said Christians are called to respond with peaceful and faithful engagement, rather than fear or withdrawal. He stressed that the message was not a demand for special treatment, but a call to shared responsibility.
According to the EFI leader, India’s future depends on moral seriousness as much as economic growth or national strength. He said the Republic becomes stronger when freedom of conscience is protected, disagreement is handled with restraint and citizenship is upheld without conditions.
Concluding the message, Rev. Lal said Indian Christians remain committed to praying for the country’s leaders, serving their neighbours without discrimination and speaking truthfully when required.
Adapted from EFI.
