PM hails Muslim organisation for setting 'fine' example of unity

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed Muslim organisation Jamiat-Ulema-e-Hind, saying its volunteers had recently cleaned 22 temples and two mosques affected by floods in Gujarat, setting a "fine" and "inspiring" example of unity.

He noted that India is a land of diversities which are not limited to cuisine, lifestyle and attire but can be seen in every walk of life.

"Gujarat saw devastating floods recently. Many people lost their lives. When the waters receded, there was so much filth everywhere.

"That is when, in Dhanera in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, volunteers of Jamiat-Ulema-e-Hind cleaned 22 affected temples and two mosques in a phased manner," Modi said in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.

He said the Jamiat volunteers came together and toiled collectively.

"The volunteers of Jamiat-Ulema-e-Hind set a fine, inspiring example of unity for cleanliness. If this committed effort towards cleanliness become inherent to us, our country will certainly take our nation to greater heights," the prime minister underlined.

In his 30-minute broadcast, he pointed out that India has a rich cultural heritage, spanning thousands of years, and in this context, talked about the festivals which are replete with diversity. "When we look at our cultural traditions, social customs, historical events, there would hardly be a day left in the year which is not connected with a festival," he said.

He said the Indian festivals follow the almanac of nature and there is a direct connect with nature. "Many of our festivals are linked straightaway with farmers and fishermen."

He mentioned festivals like 'Samvatsari', celebrated by the Jain community yesterday, as also Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam, Navaratri in Gujarat, Durga puja in Bengal and Eid-ul-Zuha. He extended his greetings to the nation regarding these occasions.

"The festival of Samvatsari is symbolic of forgiveness, non-violence and brotherhood," Modi said. "'Kshama Veerasya Bhushanam', that is, forgiveness is the adornment of the brave. The one who forgives is valiant. And Mahatma Gandhi always said, that forgiveness is the quality of great men," Modi said.

New Delhi: More than 2,30,000 villages have been declared 'open defecation free' and about 67 percent population has toilets now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday and asked people to undertake 'Cleanliness is Service' campaign ahead of the Gandhi Jayanti.

He asked the people to undertake the campaign to give a push to the creation of an environment of cleanliness while marking the third anniversary of the launch of 'Swachch Bharat' programme.

"The campaign for Cleanliness which was initiated three years ago will be marking its third anniversary on the 2nd October. The positive results are now being seen," Modi said in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.

"Toilets have increased from 39 percent to almost 67 percent of the population. More than 2,30,000 villages have declared themselves 'open defecation free'," said the prime minister who had launched the campaign after coming to power.

He said the upcoming Gandhi Jayanti should be celebrated as "Swachch Do Aktoobar, Clean 2nd October".

"To this end, beginning 15th September, let us take the pledge of 'Swachchta Hi Seva' (cleanliness is service). Take one or another step towards cleanliness. Make your effort to be a part of it. You will see how this Gandhi Jayanti shines," the prime minister told the people.

"You can imagine the inner bliss of paying homage to our revered Bapu, with 15 days of this cleanliness campaign 'Swachchta Hi Seva', when we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti on the 2nd of October," he said.

He said the campaign should be undertaken on the lines of the age-old belief 'Jal Seva, Yahi Prabhu Seva' (service of water is the service to God.