Our Correspondent
A delegation of Muslim Ulema and academicians today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised him for what they said steps being taken by the government for ‘inclusive growth, socio-economic and educational empowerment’ of all sections of the society including minorities.
The delegation also reportedly supported the campaign against corruption and black money.
On the occassion Mr Modi said that Indian youth has successfully resisted radicalization, which has affected several parts of the world. He said, its credit must go to the long, shared heritage of the country and now it is peoples’ collective responsibility to take this heritage forward.
Mr. Modi said, the culture, traditions and social fabric of India will never allow the nefarious designs of the terrorists or their sponsors, to succeed.
The Prime Minister stressed on the importance of education and skill development, which is the key to gainful employment and upliftment from poverty.
Appreciating Saudi Arabian government for increasing the number of Haj pilgrims for India, Mr. Modi asserted that there is a positive image of Indian Muslims abroad.
Members of the delegation included Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi (Chief Imam of India, All India Organisation of Imams of Mosques); Lt Gen (Retd) Zameeruddin Shah (Vice-Chancellor Aligarh Muslim University); MY Eqbal (Former Judge, Supreme Court of India); Talat Ahmed (Vice Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia), and Shahid Siddiqui (Urdu journalist).
Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar were also present on the occasion.