Carmona hails Saint Teresa

Carmona was speaking at a ceremony at President’s House to receive new Indian High Commissioner Bishwadip Dey.

The President said the Pope’s declaration of Mother Teresa as a saint invited reflection of her achievements in India and beyond.

“It caused us all to reflect on the role she has played in raising social consciousness on real issues in terms of social dysfunction, marginalisation, voicelessness, and I felt she was able to do so in an environment that left an indelible message,” Carmona said.

The President lamented that society had become uncaring.

He said there have been sad instances where young people have lost their lives to suicide.

“It has to do with the pressures of modern living,” he said.

“We need to bring back that kind of social empathy....We must spread a philosophy of positivity. We must celebrate great things and great people.” Carmona also said, “We live at a time when international human rights are subject to various forms of attack.” Dey paraphrased Gandhi, saying “the first change has to be you. Only then can you bring about change.”