PM hails Bohra Muslims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed on Friday the Bohra Muslim community for globally spreading the message of co-existence, as he attended an event here to mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad.

Sharing dais with the Bohra's spiritual head Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin at the event held at Saifee Mosque here in Madhya Pradesh, Modi also praised the community for its culture of honest business dealings.

Bohra community is a sect within Shia Islam known for trading and business acumen.

The prime minister was felicitated by Saifuddin on his arrival at the mosque for the 'Ashara Mubaraka' event, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Husain.

"The concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' is a great strength of India, making it distinct from others. The Bohra community is making the world aware of this concept through its work," Modi said in his address to the community leaders and followers.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, he explained, is an ancient Indian concept which envisages the the world as one family.

"We are proud of our past, we believe in our present and are confident of our bright future," Modi said at the event which was also attended by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

In his address, the prime minister spoke about his government's initiatives like 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' (cleanliness campaign), 'Make-in-India' programme and rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

He said the members of the Bohra community took maximum advantage of these initiatives as they are known to carry out their trade and business world over with honesty.

"They (Bohras) have set an example for other people (with their honest trade dealings)," he said.

At the same time, he added, "all five fingers of a hand are not equal. Some people consider fraud as business."
Referring to the 'Make-in-India' programme, Modi said, "the confidence of investors across the world has increased in India. The production of mobiles phones, vehicles and other goods is increasing due to the record investment."