In a move that is seen as an attempt to reach out to the muslim community before Madhya Pradesh goes to assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while attending an event in Indore lavished praise on the Bohra Muslim community for globally spreading the message of co-existence.

The event was to mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi later on shared the dais with the Bohra’s spiritual head Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin at the event held at the Saifee Mosque 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 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.

“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.

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.