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Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi inaugurated a four day 'World Sufi Forum’ organized by the All India Ulama and Mashaikh Board from 17- 21 March at New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhavan, which brought together international dignitaries from 20 countries. In a seminal speech at the inauguration, Prime Minister Mr. Modi emphasized that the world must advance the message of Sufism that stands for the principles of Islam and the highest human values. He said that the global community must be more vigilant than ever before and counter the forces of darkness with the radiant light of human values. Prime Minister said that the values Islam espouses, of peace, diversity and equality of faith, are the need of our times. The highest ideals of Islam have always rejected the forces of terrorism and extremism and he urged for the revival of this glorious heritage.

The 'World Sufi Forum’ event witnessed the presence of spiritual leaders, scholars, academicians and theologists from Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, UK, USA, Canada, Pakistan and other nations. The event included an international seminar and a grand public conference in which hundreds of Islamic scholars, Sufi luminaries, writers, journalists, university academicians, social activists and grassroots workers from across the world took part and discussed about finding more constructive ways to spread the Islamic message of peace and tolerance, discuss the issues of extremism and find ways to work out effective counter-narratives.

Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, in his speech at the inauguration, reiterated India's abiding belief in 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam': the World is one family. He said that the event is extraordinary as it comes at a critical time for humanity when the world needs a call to universal brotherhood. Of particular significance were his comments about Islam where he said that the Islamic civilization stands on the solid bedrock of a great religion. Islam has historically engaged with diverse civilizations and as it enriched itself, it also enriched the world. India has a distinct Islamic heritage which can be seen in the fields of art, architecture and culture, and the spiritual and intellectual traditions of India.

Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi said:

“(at) the times that the world is most vulnerable to violence and conflicts, the global community must be more vigilant than ever before and counter the forces of darkness with the radiant light of human values.

So, let us remember the teaching of Holy Quran that if anyone slew one innocent person, it would be as if he slew a whole people; if anyone saved one life, it would be as if he saved a whole people.

“Let us be inspired by the message of Hazrat Moinuddin Chishti, With your spiritual light, dissolve the clouds of discord and war and spread goodwill, peace, and harmony among the people.

Let us remember the infinite humanism in Sufi poet Jalaluddin Rumi's words, “Contain all human faces in your own, without any judgment of them.”

Let us also live the sermon of Bible that calls us to do good, seek peace and pursue it.

And, oneness in Kabir’s observation that a river and its waves are one.

And, Guru Nanak Devji’s prayer that Lord, may everyone in the world prosper and be in peace.

Let us be inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s appeal against divisions and for people of all religions to hold the banner of harmony, not of dispute.

“Let us also reaffirm the enduring message of Ahimsa of Lord Buddha and Mahavira.

And, from this forum, in this land of Gandhi,

And, of timeless prayers that always end with invocation of

Om Shanti; Shanti; Shanti: Peace, Peace, Peace,; Peace within and in the world. “

Let us, therefore, send a message to the world:

• A melody of harmony and humanity

• The embrace of diversity, the spirit of oneness

• Of service with compassion and generosity,

• A resolve against terrorism, a rejection of extremism

• And, a determination to advance peace

Let us challenge the forces of violence with the kindness of our love and universal human values.

and Lastly, Let us restore the light of hope and turn this world into a garden of peace.”

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