Analyzing religious messages for marginalized persons in learning

It is a widely known fact that religion has been a basis for general morals and ethical values, including social justice, equality and compassion of the oppressed. Across different religious communities, there are diverse sets of beliefs and principles which followers are expected to preserve in order to ensure respect and dignity for every being regardless of his or her misfortune existence. This paper explores how various religions approach education from a perspective of social justice, equity, and empathy.

Religious Teachings about Social Justice:In Christianity, Jesus Christ’s teachings focus on love, empathy and fairness for the poor and disadvantaged in society. His ministry involved healing people, feeding the hungry masses as well as advocating for those who were oppressed. The Christian concept ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself’ implies that all people must feel with others in any need irrespective of their social status or origin.

Specially, mutandis, in Islam, Zakat and Sadaqah are crucial aspects of faith. Thus, Muslims should give away part of their property to the support of the needy in the society like orphans, widows among others. Quranic decree “establish justice and bear witness to God even if it is against your own selves” acknowledges that one has to stand for justice and equality even when confronted with difficulties.

Dharma is a Sanskrit word meaning just duty. It entails the responsibility we have towards our nearby residents and those that do not belong to our particular society. Also highlighted is seva, which means unselfish service; particularly towards poor communities. The Bhagavad Gita highlights the necessity of performing one’s duty without attachment to its fruits thus teaching selflessness and kindness as well as promoting social harmony.

Buddhists believe in loving-kindness (metta) and kindness (karuna) for all beings. The Buddha’s teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Eight times over. Path stress on relieving suffering by cultivating empathy and kindness at man’s spiritual level Buddhist principles of non-violence.

Educational Implications:Implications for education can be significant if religious teachings on social justice, equality and compassion are incorporated into the system. By blending these teachings with curriculum and pedagogy, educators may produce empathy, tolerance and a feeling of social responsibility among students.

One strategy to this end is for religious texts and teachings to be integrated in social studies, history, and literature classes in order for students to learn about multiple views regarding issues pertaining to social justice and equality. Students will also develop critical thinking skills along with their ethical consciousness through studying religious texts and narratives that espouse the rights of marginalized people.

Moreover, there are service learning programs organized by teachers so that students are able to apply compassionate acts as well as principles of religion-based social justice within real life contexts. To better comprehend the struggles experienced by the marginalized populations alongside the significance of joint efforts; volunteering at homeless shelters or participating in environmental clean-up campaigns would help. Alternatively, it could involve lobbying for changes in policy which affect such communities.

Not only that but also schools can establish learning environments that ensure diversity is appreciated, dialogue across religious and cultural boundaries is encouraged and pupils are taught to live together as good neighbors. Teachers, therefore, enable students to learn from others. For instance, a culture of respect and empathy creates opportunities for dialogues among students thereby ensuring mutual understanding.

Also the inclusion of teachings on social justice, equality, and compassion in education promotes critical thinking skills and ethical reasoning amongst learners. By examining the sources of various religious beliefs within their historical and cultural contexts, scholars may come to a more nuanced understanding of how complex issues relate to them.

An example could be an investigation into civil rights organizations or leaders that were driven by religion such as Dr Martin Luther King’s movement during the civil rights era in America. The ways in which religious activists struggled against systematized oppression and fought for equal treatment for all can teach students about effective advocacy efforts as well as grassroots movements.

Interdisciplinary projects and collaborative learning experiences that incorporate religious perspectives on social justice can also push students to think creatively and critically about how to address acute societal problems. Pupils can develop teamwork, empathy, and leadership skills as they work together to solve real life challenges and apply principles of compassion and justice from a faith perspective.

Apart from formal curriculum integration, schools can create platforms for interfaith dialogue and engagement that promote understanding, respect and cooperation among students coming from different religious and cultural backgrounds. Dialogue between educators fosters mutual respect among students who learn directly from their peers’ perspectives leading to empathy as well as solidarity across religions.

Additionally, educators should equip learners with the necessary tools required for being advocates of social justice in their own communities by allowing them to be involved in civic participation or activism. By encouraging students to engage in service-learning activities, volunteer work, or work towards social justice advocacy campaigns, teachers enable the youth build up both competence and self-confidence necessary for positive change making wherever there are injustices around the world.

Educators can take valuable insights and principles from religious teachings of social justice, equality and compassion that will help in shaping educational practices towards promoting positive social changes. They can make students understand how important it is for all human beings to have empathy, tolerance and social responsibility through teaching these religious beliefs in class so that they can be agents of transformation in the society.

In our quest for a more caring and fair society, we should not only turn to holy texts which promote the dignity of all human beings regardless of their race or status but also acknowledge such a tapestry as an inspiration. It is through teaching empathy, compassion and justice to children in school that we are planting seeds for an inclusive world where equity rules.

Hindu

विमला मंदिर भारतीय राज्य ओडिशा में पुरी में जगन्नाथ मंदिर परिसर के भीतर स्थित देवी विमला को समर्पित एक हिंदू मंदिर है।

यह विमला मंदिर आमतौर पर हिंदू देवी शक्ति पीठ को समर्पित सबसे पवित्र मंदिरों में से एक माना जाता है।

06 Feb 2025

Hindu

श्रीरंगम, अपने श्री रंगनाथस्वामी मंदिर के लिए प्रसिद्ध है, जो हिन्दुओं विशेष रूप से वैष्णवों का एक प्रमुख तीर्थ है।

श्रीरंगम का यह मन्दिर श्री रंगनाथ स्वामी को समर्पित है जहाँ भगवान् श्री हरि विष्णु शेषनाग शैय्या पर विराजे हुए हैं।

26 Mar 2025

Muslim

The Islamic Concept of "Tawakkul" (Belief in God)

Amongst the interwoven threads of Islamic mysticism, ‘Tawakkul’ has been given an important place. This Arabic word may be translated as ‘trust in God’ or ‘reliance on God’. It constitutes one of the most basic features in the relationship between a believer and Allah (SWT). Tawakkul finds its roots deep within the Quranic teachings, prophetic sayings, and Islamic ethical tradition. The goal of this discourse is to shed light upon various aspects of tawakkul, its theological significance within Islam, practical demonstrations as well as impact on Muslims’ lives.

Speaking tawakkul means putting all your trust in Allah. The term itself comes from the Arabic language where “wakala” means entrustment or dependence upon another person. In other words, it implies that we should leave everything up to Him firmly believing that He alone can provide for us; keep us safe from harm’s way; and show us what path we are supposed to take next among many other things related to guidance or sustenance. This confidence rests upon our unshakeable faith in His knowledge, mercy, and power because there is no other deity but Him.

06 May 2025

Jainism

Importance of Paryushan and Forgiveness Day: Understanding the Jain Festival That Asks the Hardest Question — Can You Truly Forgive?

Description: Curious about Paryushan and Forgiveness Day? Here's a respectful, honest guide to understanding this profound Jain festival — what it means and why it matters.

Let me start with a question.

When was the last time you genuinely, completely, from-the-bottom-of-your-heart forgave someone who hurt you?

Not just said "it's fine" to keep the peace. Not just moved on because holding the grudge was too exhausting. But actually, truly let go of the resentment, the hurt, the desire for them to suffer even a little bit for what they did?

For most people, genuine forgiveness is one of the hardest things they'll ever do. We carry grudges for years. We rehearse old arguments in our heads. We hold onto hurt like it's protecting us from something.

And then there's Paryushan — the most important festival in the Jain calendar — which culminates in Samvatsari (also called Forgiveness Day), when millions of Jains engage in one of the most profound spiritual practices imaginable: asking forgiveness from every person they've ever harmed, knowingly or unknowingly, and offering forgiveness to everyone who has harmed them.

Not just to close family. Not just to friends. Everyone. Colleagues. Neighbors. Strangers. People they haven't spoken to in years. Even people who might not deserve it by conventional standards.

This isn't a casual "sorry for that thing I did." This is deep, systematic, comprehensive acknowledgment of harm, accompanied by genuine repentance and the commitment to do better.

If that sounds intense, that's because it is. Paryushan is intense. It's meant to be. It's eight or ten days (depending on the Jain sect) of fasting, introspection, prayer, meditation, and ultimately — the hardest part — radical forgiveness.

So let's talk about it. Respectfully. Honestly. Let's explore what Paryushan actually is, why forgiveness is central to it, what happens during these days, and what this ancient practice can teach anyone — Jain or not — about letting go, healing, and living with less burden.

What Is Paryushan? The Festival of Self-Reflection

Paryushan (also called Paryushana Parva) is the most important annual observance in Jainism. It's an eight or ten-day period of intensive spiritual practice focused on self-examination, purification, and renewal.

The name "Paryushan" comes from Sanskrit roots meaning:

"Parya" — all around, completely
"Ushan" — to burn away, to destroy

So Paryushan means "burning away completely" — specifically, burning away karma (the subtle material substance that binds the soul according to Jain philosophy).

When it happens:

Paryushan falls during the monsoon season (roughly August-September), during the Chaturmas period when Jain monks and nuns remain stationary in one place rather than wandering.

Two traditions:

Shvetambara Jains observe it for 8 days, ending on Samvatsari (the day of forgiveness)
Digambara Jains observe it for 10 days, called Dashalakshana Parva (the ten virtues), ending on Kshamavani (forgiveness day)

What makes Paryushan different from other festivals:

Most festivals are celebrations — joyous, festive, outward-focused. Paryushan is inward-focused. It's serious. Contemplative. Challenging.

It's not about having fun. It's about doing the deep, uncomfortable work of looking honestly at yourself, acknowledging your failings, making amends, and committing to genuine change.

The Core Practices of Paryushan

Paryushan involves several interconnected practices, all designed to purify the soul and shed karma.

1. Fasting (Upvas/Tap)

Fasting is central to Paryushan observance and varies widely in intensity:

Types of fasts observed:

Ekasana — Eating only once during the day Biyasana — Eating only twice (no snacks between meals) Ayambil — Eating once, only plain boiled food without oil, spices, salt, milk, or sugar Upvas — Complete fast (no food, water allowed) Atthai — Complete fast for three consecutive days Navkarshi — Breaking fast 48 minutes after sunrise (no food or water before)

Why fasting?

In Jain philosophy, eating necessarily involves harming one-sensed beings (plants, microorganisms). By reducing or eliminating eating, you minimize harm and therefore minimize new karma accumulation.

Fasting is also a practice of self-discipline, reducing attachment to sensory pleasures, and creating mental clarity for spiritual practice.

Important: The fasts are voluntary and adapted to individual capacity. Children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with health conditions observe lighter fasts or none at all. The principle is practicing self-discipline within your capacity, not harming yourself.

2. Pratikraman (Ritualized Repentance)

Pratikraman means "turning back" — specifically, turning back from harmful actions through confession and repentance.

What happens in Pratikraman:

Jains gather (often in temples) to recite ancient prayers and confessions in Sanskrit and Prakrit. The ritual lasts 2-3 hours and includes:

Confession of sins — Acknowledging 18 types of sins (violence, lying, stealing, possessiveness, etc.) committed through body, speech, and mind

Seeking forgiveness — From the Tirthankaras (enlightened teachers), from monks and nuns, from all living beings

Repentance — Genuine remorse for harm caused

Resolution — Commitment to avoid these actions in the future

Why this matters:

Pratikraman is not just about saying sorry. It's a comprehensive self-examination. You're forced to confront the ways you've caused harm — often in ways you weren't even conscious of.

It's uncomfortable. That's the point. Growth requires acknowledging where you've fallen short.

3. Study of Sacred Texts

Paryushan is a time for intensive spiritual study. Jains attend pravachans (religious discourses) daily, often led by monks, nuns, or learned scholars.

Common texts studied:

Kalpa Sutra — Ancient text containing biographies of the Tirthankaras, especially Mahavira's life. Reading this during Paryushan is traditional.

Tattvartha Sutra — Foundational Jain philosophical text explaining the nature of reality, karma, and the path to liberation

Stories and parables — Teaching moral lessons about Ahimsa, truth, non-attachment, forgiveness

Why study during Paryushan?

This is when people have the most focused attention on spiritual matters. The daily pravachans inspire, educate, and remind people of Jain principles they may have let slip during the busy rest of the year.

4. Meditation and Self-Reflection

Paryushan emphasizes dhyana (meditation) and swadhyaya (self-study).

Practices include:

Sitting meditation — Focusing on breath, mantras, or contemplating the nature of the soul

Reflective journaling — Writing about your actions over the past year, identifying where you've caused harm

Contemplation of the ten virtues (in Digambara tradition): forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, contentment, truth, restraint, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment, celibacy

The goal is honest self-assessment. Not self-flagellation, but clear-eyed recognition of where you are on the spiritual path and where you need to grow.

5. Acts of Charity and Service

Paryushan is also a time for dana (charity) and service.

Common practices:

Donating to the poor — Food, clothing, money to those in need

Supporting monks and nuns — Providing food (properly prepared according to Jain dietary guidelines)

Animal welfare — Freeing caged birds, feeding animals, supporting gaushalas (cow shelters)

Blood donation and medical camps — Many Jain communities organize these during Paryushan

Why charity during Paryushan?

Reducing possessiveness and attachment to material wealth. Recognizing the interconnection of all beings. Practicing compassion in action, not just in meditation.

Samvatsari / Kshamavani: The Day of Universal Forgiveness

And then comes the culmination: Samvatsari (Shvetambara) or Kshamavani (Digambara) — Forgiveness Day.

This is the most important day of Paryushan. Everything builds toward this moment.

What happens on Forgiveness Day:

The Practice of Asking Forgiveness

Jains reach out to everyone they know — family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, even people they've lost touch with — and say (in Gujarati or Hindi):

"Micchami Dukkadam" (Prakrit) "Uttam Kshama" (Sanskrit)

Translation: "May all the evil that has been done be fruitless / forgiven." Or more directly: "I seek forgiveness for any harm I've caused you."

This happens:

Face to face (touching feet of elders as a sign of respect and humility)
Phone calls to distant family and friends
Text messages, WhatsApp messages, emails
Social media posts asking forgiveness from all followers and friends
Letters to people they can't reach otherwise

The scope is comprehensive: You're not just asking forgiveness for specific remembered wrongs. You're asking forgiveness for all harm you've caused — knowingly or unknowingly — through thought, word, or deed — over the entire past year.

22 Feb 2026

Bodh

The Buddhist Gifts

2,500 years ago, Gautama Sakyamuni, better known as the Buddha, did not receive instruction from an angel or have a personal encounter with the Creator. He did not have a divine vision or a supernatural power surge. He was definitely not an average man, yet he swore he was neither a god, an angel, nor a saint when his admirers wanted to know who he was. He responded, "I am awake," when they asked. His name Buddha derives from the Sanskrit verb budh, which means to awaken and to know. Buddha is the Sanskrit word for "Enlightened One" or "Awakened One."

15 Dec 2025

Christian

Why Is Christmas Celebrated? History, Spiritual Meaning, and True Message of Jesus Christ

Description: Discover the true meaning of Christmas—its historical origins, spiritual significance, and the core message of Jesus Christ. A respectful exploration of Christianity's most celebrated holy day.

Introduction

Christmas is observed by billions of people worldwide on December 25th each year, making it one of the most widely celebrated holidays across cultures and continents. Yet despite its global prevalence, many people—both Christian and non-Christian alike—may not fully understand the deeper meaning behind the celebration.

This article explores Christmas from multiple perspectives: its historical origins, theological significance within Christianity, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ that the holiday commemorates, and the spiritual messages that believers find meaningful during this season.

Important note: This article is written with the utmost respect for Christian faith and all religious traditions. It aims to provide educational information about Christmas while honoring the deeply held beliefs of Christians worldwide. The content explores Christian theology and teachings as understood within that faith tradition, recognizing that different denominations may emphasize different aspects of these beliefs.

What Is Christmas? The Basic Understanding

Christmas is the Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God and the Savior of humanity.

The Core Meaning for Christians

For Christians, Christmas commemorates one of the most significant events in human history—the Incarnation—when God took human form and entered the world as Jesus Christ.

Key theological concepts:

The Incarnation: The belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ, born to the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem approximately 2,000 years ago.

The Nativity: The specific circumstances of Jesus's birth—the humble stable setting, the visit of shepherds and wise men, the angelic announcements—which carry deep symbolic meaning.

Emmanuel: One of Jesus's titles meaning "God with us," signifying the belief that through Christ's birth, God came to dwell among humanity.

The Historical Origins of Christmas

Understanding Christmas requires exploring both the historical context of Jesus's birth and how the December 25th celebration developed.

The Biblical Account of Jesus's Birth

The nativity story is primarily found in two of the four Gospels in the Christian New Testament: Matthew and Luke.

Luke's Gospel account:

Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive by the Holy Spirit
Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem for census
Jesus born in a stable (no room in the inn)
Angels appear to shepherds announcing the birth
Shepherds visit the newborn child

Matthew's Gospel account:

Focuses on Joseph's perspective
Wise men (Magi) follow a star from the East
They bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh
King Herod's reaction and the flight to Egypt

Important historical note: The Gospels do not specify the exact date of Jesus's birth. Scholars believe Jesus was likely born between 6-4 BCE based on historical records of events mentioned in the biblical accounts.

Why December 25th?

The date December 25th was chosen by the early Christian church several centuries after Jesus's birth.

Historical factors influencing the date:

1. Winter Solstice connection: December 25th falls near the winter solstice (around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere), when days begin lengthening after the shortest day of year. Early Christians found symbolic meaning in celebrating Christ's birth—often called "the Light of the World"—during this time of returning light.

2. Roman festival of Sol Invictus: The Roman Empire celebrated the "Unconquered Sun" on December 25th. As Christianity spread through the Roman world, the church may have chosen this date partly to provide a Christian alternative to pagan celebrations.

3. Calculation theories: Some early Christian scholars attempted to calculate Jesus's birth date based on other dates mentioned in scripture, arriving at December 25th through theological reasoning.

4. Official adoption: The first recorded celebration of Christmas on December 25th was in Rome in 336 CE during the reign of Emperor Constantine, who had legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire.

Different traditions: Not all Christians celebrate on December 25th. Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar celebrate Christmas on January 7th. Armenian Christians celebrate on January 6th.

Who Was Jesus Christ? Understanding the Central Figure

To understand why Christmas is significant, one must understand who Christians believe Jesus to be.

Jesus's Identity in Christian Belief

Christians hold several core beliefs about Jesus's identity:

Fully God and fully human: The doctrine that Jesus was simultaneously completely divine and completely human—not part God and part human, but entirely both.

Son of God: Jesus is understood as God the Son, the second person of the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit—three persons in one divine essence).

Messiah/Christ: The promised deliverer and king prophesied in Jewish scripture. "Christ" comes from the Greek "Christos," meaning "anointed one," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah."

Savior: Christians believe Jesus came to save humanity from sin and its consequences through his life, death, and resurrection.

Jesus's Life and Ministry

Jesus lived approximately 33 years, spending about three years in active public ministry before his crucifixion and resurrection.

Key aspects of Jesus's life:

Birth: Born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph, raised in Nazareth

Baptism: Baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, marking the beginning of his public ministry

Teaching ministry: Taught throughout Galilee and Judea using parables, sermons, and direct instruction

Miracles: According to the Gospels, performed numerous miracles—healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, feeding thousands, calming storms, raising the dead

Crucifixion: Arrested, tried, and crucified under Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem

Resurrection: Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead three days after crucifixion, appearing to his disciples before ascending to heaven

The Core Message and Teachings of Jesus Christ

Understanding Christmas's meaning requires understanding what Christians believe Jesus came to teach and accomplish.

The Central Message: Love and Redemption

Jesus's teachings, as recorded in the Gospels, center on several interconnected themes:

1. Love as the Greatest Commandment

When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus responded with two:

Love God: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37)

Love Others: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39)

Extension to enemies: Jesus taught revolutionary love—extending even to enemies: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44)

The meaning: True faith expresses itself through love—for God and for all people, without exception.

2. The Kingdom of God

Jesus frequently taught about the "Kingdom of God" or "Kingdom of Heaven"—a central theme in his message.

What this means:

Not primarily a physical/political kingdom, but God's reign in human hearts and lives
Present reality (here now through faith) and future hope (fully realized at the end of time)
Characterized by justice, peace, reconciliation, and transformation
Available to all who accept Jesus's message and follow him

3. Salvation and Forgiveness

Christians believe Jesus's birth was the beginning of God's plan to offer salvation to humanity.

Key concepts:

Sin: The condition of separation from God through disobedience and wrongdoing

Sacrifice: Jesus's death on the cross understood as an atoning sacrifice for human sin

Forgiveness: Through Jesus, God offers forgiveness and reconciliation

Grace: Salvation understood as a free gift from God, not something earned through human effort alone

Faith and repentance: Response to God's grace through believing in Jesus and turning away from sin

4. Compassion for the Vulnerable

Jesus's ministry showed particular concern for the marginalized and suffering:

The poor: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3)

The sick: Much of Jesus's ministry involved healing the physically and spiritually afflicted

The outcast: Jesus associated with tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, and others rejected by society

The hungry: Jesus fed crowds and spoke about providing for physical and spiritual needs

The imprisoned: Jesus taught about visiting prisoners and caring for those in distress

The meaning: True faith manifests in compassionate action toward those in need.

5. Humility and Service

Jesus taught and modeled servant leadership:

"The greatest among you will be your servant" (Matthew 23:11)

Washing disciples' feet: Jesus performed the task of a lowly servant, demonstrating that true greatness lies in humble service

His own example: Born in a stable, associated with common people, died a criminal's death—embodying humility throughout his life

6. Truth, Justice, and Integrity

Jesus emphasized:

Truthfulness in speech and action
Internal righteousness, not just external observance
Justice and mercy over legalism
Authentic faith over religious hypocrisy

"Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'" (Matthew 5:37)

7. Hope and Eternal Life

Jesus offered hope beyond earthly existence:

"I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" (John 11:25)

Christians believe Jesus's resurrection demonstrates:

Victory over death
Promise of eternal life for believers
Hope for ultimate justice and restoration

The Spiritual Significance of Christmas for Christians

Christmas holds profound theological and spiritual meaning within Christianity.

God's Love Demonstrated

Christians understand Jesus's birth as the ultimate demonstration of God's love for humanity:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16) — perhaps the most famous verse in Christian scripture.

The meaning: God didn't remain distant but entered human experience personally, demonstrating incomprehensible love.

God's Humility Revealed

The circumstances of Jesus's birth carry deep symbolic meaning:

Born in a stable: Not in a palace or place of power, but in the humblest circumstances

Laid in a manger: A feeding trough for animals became the first crib for the King of Kings

Announced to shepherds: Among the lowest social classes, yet they received the angelic announcement

Simple family: Born to young, poor parents from an obscure village

The message: God identifies with the humble and lowly; true greatness is found in humility, not worldly power or status.

Accessibility to All People

The Christmas story emphasizes that Jesus came for everyone:

Shepherds (poor local Jews) and Wise Men (wealthy foreign Gentiles): Both groups visited Jesus, symbolizing that his message transcends economic class, ethnicity, and nationality.

"Peace on earth, goodwill toward all people": The angelic announcement emphasizes universal scope.

The meaning: Salvation and God's love are offered to all humanity without exception or exclusion.

Light in Darkness

Christmas celebrates Jesus as "the light of the world" coming into darkness:

Spiritual darkness: The human condition of sin, separation from God, and spiritual confusion

Physical darkness: Winter solstice timing (in Northern Hemisphere) symbolizes light entering the darkest time

Hope: Jesus brings spiritual illumination, truth, and hope to a world in darkness

19 Dec 2025