Modi calls for inclusion of Muslims in mainstream

Narendra Modi

Praising the natural skills of people of Muslim community, Gujarat chief minister 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 the communities.

 

Addressing the three-day Ummat Business Conclave 2014, based on theme of 'Business Harmony to Grow Together', Modi talked about various sectors where the Muslim community have dominated including the kite making, readymade garments and textile printing. He called for the community to identify sectors where they had good skills and ensured them equal opportunity 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 development of state, irrespective of what community he belongs to or which religion he follows," the BJP's prime ministerial candidate told while addressing small gathering of prominent Muslim businessmen in Ahmedabad. Around 250-300 people were present during the inaugural function.

 

He believed that everybody has capabilities but not everyone has opportunities. "And as government we want to give all equal opportunity to prosper," Modi added. He also talked about how the world has become competitive and the need to show case ones skills.

 

"Gujarat has inherent entrepreneurial quality and the society has been know for this. The more strongly that we present this before the world more it will benefit the state. In earlier times this was not required. But today its a competitive world, and if we want to make some place for ourselves we need to show the world over capabilities and also over vision. 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 policy of zero defect products.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Modi said that in the past two decades Gujarat's traditional image of being a traders state has changed. "Gujarat had image of trader 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 major contributor in 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 happens next year, Modi would come from Delhi for inauguration. 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.