Communal strife harms everybody, says Narendra Modi

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, spoke about the goodness of communal harmony and its impact on the state, at the Sadbhavna Mission held in Navsari. Modi termed violence as dangerous for society and said that Gujarat has come a long way after what happened in the past.

"Earlier a child would learn to speak the word 'curfew' before he/she could learn to speak words 'father' or 'mother'. This is because during 1980-1990's incidents of violence and communal clashes were reported quite frequently. It is not that such incidences of violence are not reported nowadays but only at few places across the country. However, the scene is completely different in Gujarat," said Narendra Modi.

He added that for the past 10 years there has been peace, tranquility, communal harmony and all-round development in the state. People in Gujarat have forgotten everything and are focusing on the development of the state. This is an achievement on the part of the state government.

Speaking on the reason for holding Sadbhavna Mission, Modi said, the time has come for the world to see the power of communal harmony in the state.

"Today I can proudly say that one can look up to Gujarat for the principles upon which the state works, and also Gujaratis. Communal hatred destroys many lives and also affects development. Gujaratis have learnt this and now it's others' turn to learn. Gujaratis have been living in sadbhavna for the past one decade," said Modi.