PM greets nation on Ramzan, prays for peace and harmony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his greetings to the “fellow Indians and Muslim brethren” on the occasion of Ramadan, saying India is “lucky” to have people from all communities and faith co-existing in the country.

Both theists and atheists as well as “idolaters and those loathing idol-worship” co-exist in India, he said during his 'Mann Ki Baat' monthly radio programme on Monday.

“We have adapted ourselves to myriad kinds of ideologies, different ways of worshipping and all types of traditions and imbibed the art of co-existential living. Any religion, faith, ideology or tradition give us the message of peace, unity and goodwill. We Indians are very lucky that our ancestors have created such a tradition that today India and its 1.25 billion people can take pride in the fact that people from all communities and faith are available here,” he said.

This holy month of Ramadan will “definitely” be helpful in further strengthening these values of peace, unity and goodwill, he said.

“I convey my hearty greetings to all fellow Indians and everyone across the world, especially the Muslim brethren at the advent of this auspicious month of Ramadan,” the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to Savarkar on his birth anniversary and appealed to the youth to once visit the Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands where the revolutionary freedom fighter was imprisoned by the Britishers.

“I would definitely want to tell our younger generation that to even perceive what kind of torture and trouble these freedom fighters had suffered to achieve freedom for us one must visit this Cellular Jail,” he said.

Modi said his monthly radio address had connected him with the people of the country. “I have become like a member of every household. Some people take ‘Mann Ki Baat’ as a monologue and some criticise it from a political angle,” he said, adding that he did not think that his radio address would be viewed politically when he launched it two years ago.

Modi welcomed all surveys on the three-years of his government, saying “constructive criticism” has always helped him take corrective measures.

“Constructive criticism strengthens the democracy. For a lively democracy, such exercises are immensely important,” he said.

Ahead of the World Environment Day to be observed on June 5, Prime Minister stressed on the importance of preserving the environment and said the Central government in collaboration with the State governments will launch a nationwide campaign for waste management from June 5. Under the campaign, litter bins in blue and green colours will be made available in 4000 towns to collect dry and liquid waste.