PM Narendra Modi applauds Dawoodi Bohra community's contribution in nation building

Sep 14 (AZINS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first PM to address the religious congregation of Dawoodi Bohra community on Friday when he attended Ashara Mubaraka in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

PM Modi applauded the contribution of the community in the development of  the nation and credited 'India's power of co-existence.' He was addressing the gathering at Indore's iconic Saifee Mosque. The event was also attended by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, and MP Governor Anandiben Patel. This is the first time PM Modi met with the Dawoodi Bohra spiritual leader Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin.

(PM Modi's top quotes from the event)

During his speech, PM Modi said, "Bohra samaj ke saath mera rishta bahut purana hai, main ek prakaar se samaaj ka sadasy ban gaya hun. Aaj bhi mere darwaaze aapke parivaar jaanon ke liye khule hain. (I have age-old connections with the Bohra community. In a way, I am a community member too. My doors are always open for you and your loved ones.)

He also recalled a meeting with Syedna at an airport, "I met Syedna sahib at an airport and had a small conversation with him regarding the shortage of water in Gujarat and spoke to him about building check dams. Just after this brief discussion, he went back and made several check dams and helped many villages fight water scarcity," reports News18.

PM also talked about Ayushman Yojana: "Ayushman Yojana has come as a saviour for about 50 crore poor people of the country. It will ensure free medical treatment worth Rs 5 lakhs in one year. The trial of this scheme is underway."

The occasion was accompanied by religious hymns and a speech by CM Chouhan. Sydena Mufaddal Saifuddin also addressed the gathering and he wished all the success to PM in leading the country. He said, "I convey birthday wishes to you in advance and pray for your long life. May you get success in all that you do for the country."

PM was felicitated by Syedna at Saifee Mosque.

Ashara Mubaraka refers to a period of 10 days at the beginning of the Islamic year. It is dedicated to the remembrance of the Prophet Mohammed and his Ahle Bayt (family and kin), specifically his grandson Imam Husain.

The tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is known as Ashura and marks the day on which Imam Husain was killed along with his family members and companions.