PM Narendra Modi addressed a gathering of Dawoodi Bohra Muslims in Madhya Pradesh's Indore

Highlights PM Modi first PM to address congregation of Dawoodi Bohras

The community has always worked for peace, he said

PM Modi praised the Bohras for their honesty in trade and business

Praising the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community for its contribution to the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that the concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', the world is one family, gives India an identity different from all other countries.

The prime minister was speaking at a function organised by the Dawoodi Bohra community at the Saifee Mosque, where its religious head, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, was present.

"The concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam gives a distinct identity to India from the rest of the world and the Bohra community is an example of it," he said.

PM Modi is the first prime minister to address a religious congregation of Dawoodi Bohras, who are a sect among Shia Muslims. On this day, the sect marks the Ashara Mubaraka, an annual gathering to remember and honour Prophet Mohammad and the martyrdom of his grandson Imam Husayn.

PM @narendramodi is addressing a programme in Indore. Watch. https://t.co/Z85981iADm - PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 14, 2018

The prime minister said that the community had always worked for peace and had also once worked with Mahatma Gandhi.

The prime minister recalled Mahatma Gandhi's close association with Sydena Mohammad Burhanuddin, the late spiritual head of the Bohra community.

"Mahatma Gandhi met the Sydena during a train journey and they became very close. During the 'Dandi March', Gandhiji stayed in Saifee Villa (a building owned by the community in Dandi, Gujarat) which was later dedicated to the nation," the prime minister said.

He went on to praise and thank the Bohra community for always "blessing" him with their love and regard. "My relationship with the Bohra community goes way back. I always felt at home with them. Even today the doors are all open for them," Prime Minister Modi said, talking about the Bohra community in his home state Gujarat.

"Due to your contribution, many villages in Gujarat received drinking water. The community contributed to development in Gujarat," he said.

The prime minister also praised the Dawoodi Bohras for their efforts to make the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan a success. He went on to say that the 'Swachhata Pakhwada' (cleanliness fortnight) will be launched tomorrow and will culminate on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti.

PM Modi also praised the Bohras for their honesty in trade and business and remarked that they had set an example for others.

(With inputs from PTI)

