INDORE: Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on Friday spent more than an hour at Indore’s Saifee Nagar Mosque, reaching out to the small but influential
Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community.
Hailing their role in reinforcing the core Indian value of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), the PM praised their contribution to nation-building. “You have set a benchmark of how to trade honestly. You have set an example with your behavior. The country’s backbone is people like you,” Modi said.
The PM’s whirlwind trip to Indore had but one objective — meeting Bohra community leader Syedna
Mufaddal Saifuddin. In what is seen an attempt to send out a message to minority groups, the PM bolstered the idea of integration by highlighting the Bohra influence on social and economic development.
Modi referred to the sacrifice by Imam Hussain — Prophet Mohammed’s grandson — and said his sacrifice and his teachings still hold importance. “Imam Hussain laid down his life for peace and justice,” Modi said at an Ashara event to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet’s grandson.
“His teachings are important for today’s generations as well. I am happy Syedna saheb and the entire community are connected to this,” the PM said. “The concept of
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam gives a distinct identity to India, separate from the rest of the world. And the Bohra community is an example of it,” he said.
Madhya Pradesh chief minister
Shivraj Singh Chouhan accompanied Modi to the venue where over 2 lakh Bohra Muslims had gathered from all over the world. Syedna personally escorted Modi from the mosque hall gates.
Modi said he felt “part of the Dawoodi Bohra family”. “I have close relations with the Bohra community. I have liked visiting their house. My doors are open for your family members as well,” he said.
