Modi keen to give Muslims equal opportunities

Calls for all-round development and says Gujarat's inherent quality is its entrepreneurial society

Praising the natural skills of people of the Muslim community, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for their inclusion into the mainstream for holistic development of the state and country. He pronounced mottos of security, equality, prosperity and equity for taking forward all communities.

Addressing the three-day Ummat Business Conclave 2014, based on the theme of ‘Business Harmony to Grow Together’, Modi talked about various sectors where the Muslim community have dominated including  kite-making, ready-made garments and textile printing. He called for the community to identify sectors where they had good skills and ensured them equal opportunities for progress.

“We need to ensure participation from people of every community for Gujarat's development. Whatever be one's strength, we need to bring them together for the development of the state, irrespective of what community s/he belongs to or which religion s/he follows,” the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s prime ministerial candidate said while addressing a small gathering of prominent Muslim businessmen here. Around 250-300 people were present during the inaugural function.

Modi said he believed that everybody had capabilities but not everyone had opportunities. “And as government, we want to give everybody equal opportunities to prosper,” Modi added.

He also talked about how the world had become competitive and the need to showcase one’s skills.

“Gujarat has inherent entrepreneurial qualities and Gujarati society has been known for this. The more strongly we present this before the world, the more it will benefit the state. In earlier times, this was not required. But today, it is a competitive world, and if we want to make some place for ourselves, we need to show capabilities and vision to the world. Not only this, we also need to inspire our own people to make this vision into reality,” Modi said.

The chief minister also urged the community to work towards addressing global markets and promoting 'Brand India' by adopting a policy of zero defect products.

Modi felt that every Muslim possessed natural gift and God-given skills. “We need to identify these unique skills and showcase them in a commercial way. This is for people in small pockets who have the skills but not the opportunity. We want to give them the opportunity,” he added.

He acknowledged the contribution of Kutchi Muslims in the manufacturing sector. There are as many as 1,732 manufacturing units in the district owned by people of the Muslim community.

Modi also admitted that his party, the BJP wanted to be in power, but only to empower the people of the country. “Political parties are always struggling for power. Including the BJP. But when I am amongst you, I would like to say that the BJP also wants power, but we want to empower the people. Power to the BJP is to empower people,” he explained.

Modi said that in the past two decades, Gujarat's traditional image of being a “traders’ state” had changed. “Gujarat had an image of being a traders’ state for over a century. In the last 20 years, the mood has changed. Gujarat is now entering the manufacturing sector. People are surprised that the state that does not have raw materials like iron ore or coal, is producing steel and power. Gujarat has become a major contributor to the manufacturing sector in India,” he added.

The chief minister saw ample of opportunity for the Muslim community in the ready-made garment industry and in value addition of cotton.

Speaking on the occasion, one of the organisers, Zafar Sareshwala praised Modi for his vision and thanked him for supporting their initiative. He hoped that when the event happened next year, Modi would come from Delhi for the inauguration. The Gujarat government's Industrial Extension Bureau (INDEXb), Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and Gujarat International Finance Tech (GIFT) City were among the sponsors for the event.