The unconventional headlines, if you are still in 2005 or even 2011, but it is the most relevant topic of prime interest and importance in 2014, when the Gujarat leader has joined the national bandwagon as the Prime ministerial candidate for BJP in the next election.
Modi was addressing one group of Muslim businessmen during the inaugural function of a three-day conclave on "business harmony" organised by a socio-economic organisation,Ummat,that helps over 1200 Muslim businessmen network with each other in the state, and he asked the asked members of the minority community to 'stand on their own feet' and not 'seek help' for a living.
Narendra Modi said,"We will have to stand on our own feet. Our kids have to become job-creators and not job-seekers .It is not good for any community to extend their arms and seek help for a living ."
Modi made an important move of utmost national importance, when he attempted to remove the doubts through the three-day event that was meant to bring together Hindu and Muslim businessmen in Gujarat and bridge the "trust" gap existing between them.
Modi presented a new face and addressed the minority members,"Dear friends, we have to make our own efforts. It is not good for any community to extend their arms and seek help for a living,and added, "We will have to stand on our own feet. Our kids have to become job-creators and not job-seekers."
Modi narrated his feeling of a universal, national leader,"I have felt since childhood, than even the poorest of the poor kid of a Muslim, is born talented. For instance, they make or repair locks...They have the skill, but do not have the opportunity.We want to give them the opportunity."
Modi said adding that while suggesting ways and means to bring the Muslim youth in to the "mainstream", when he floated an idea "to map the top 10-12 talents" inherent in the youths from the Muslim community. "Such talented people from the Muslim community should be brought together. They will not only stand on their own feet, but will also provide new addition to the productivity of Gujarat."
Mustafa Saasa, a Gujarat-born businessmen who is currently based in UAE."Muslims should not live in history. We should live in the present and look forward to the future."
Zafar Sareshwala, a prominent Muslim businessmen from Gujarat gave similar views," Being victims in Gujarat is nothing new for Muslims. But since last ten years, there has not been a single incidence of a curfew being imposed anywhere the state. There is definitely a softness among Muslims towards Modi."
Federico Tauber, president of Tameer Group from UAE said, "The chief minister has encouraged us to invest in Gujarat. We see a lot of potential in the state."
The BJP's PM candidate also boasted of how the image of Gujarat has changed from being a "trader's state" to being a "manufacturing hub". He also mentioned how Kutch district, having the highest Muslim population in the state, has 1732 industrial units owned by Muslims who directly contribute to the growth of the state. Stating that every section of the society has to be taken along on the path of progress."
INDIA HONEST felt that though the gathering present was not so big and it was also dominated by the moderate minority members, but the essence of the discussion and its relevance is universally national. The most urgent need of the hour for all the communities, be it minority or majority, is same growth, employment and development.
IH raises another crucial question , if the needs of the national minority and national youth are different in Kerala or Tamilnadu in South and Bengal or Odisha or Assam in East as in Gujarat or MP., then why not a fresh initiative should be created and applied through out India ?