Highlight Contributions of Christian Institutions in Nation Building, Derek O'Brien Tells Youths

Chennai, 17 May, 2025: Senior Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Saturday highlighted the contributions of Christian-run health institutions in India, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He called on youth to focus on the positive role of the Christian community in nation building, particularly in the fields of health and education.

Speaking at an event in Chennai attended by members of the Christian community, O'Brien said young people should not be influenced by the "negative communication" of the RSS and should highlight the work being done by Christian institutions.

The TMC Rajya Sabha Parliamentary Party leader also criticised the Union government for suspending the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licences of several Christian-run NGOs. He also raised concerns about discrepancies in reported COVID-19 death figures.

O'Brien delivered the keynote address on the theme "Students in pursuit of change, role of Christian institutions in healthcare" during the centenary celebrations of the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) in Chennai. The event was the fourth in the "Speak Up" series being addressed by the TMC leader.

"Show them the facts, figures and highlight the huge contribution this microscopic minority has made in building our great nation," O'Brien said.

Citing the role of Christian health institutions during the pandemic, he said over 1,000 hospitals with 60,000 in-patient beds were provided by Christian institutions.

He added that more than 80 per cent of the work done by Christian healthcare institutions takes place in remote, medically unserved areas, serving over two per cent of India's population—around 2.5 crore people.

Source: PTI