Indian Top Leaders including President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar  have offered their Christmas Greetings to Masses and prayed for the speedy recovery of the 23-year-old woman who was gang-raped and brutally assaulted in a moving bus Dec 16 night.
In a message, the president said: “On the occasion of Christmas, I convey my greetings to all and wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year. May the Christmas bells dispel hatred and violence.”
He added: “We mark Christmas at a time when the nation is joined in anguish and distress over the recent horrific attack on a young girl in New Delhi. I laud the courage and tenacity of this young lady and her family. On this Christmas day, let us join in prayer for the full and speedy recovery of this strong and courageous girl.”
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: “Christmas is a special opportunity to spread the spirit of peace. The festival of Christmas gives the hope to strengthen the values of brotherhood, tolerance and caring. May the festival bring prosperity to all.”
Meira Kumar also wished people on Christmas eve.
She said in a message: “On the joyous occasion of Christmas, I wish everyone happiness, peace and prosperity. In the spirit of Christmas, let us join hands in building a society where the privileged shall not overpower the underprivileged, and the affluent shall not subjugate the marginalised.”
“We must work towards building a society where women are not only worshipped merely as goddesses but also respected with dignity as mothers, sisters, friends and colleagues who enrich our lives. Let us show more sensitivity towards women, young girls and children,” she said.