Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the new campus of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Arabic Academy of Dawoodi Bohra community, in Mumbai and hailed its contribution to progress and nation building.
Speaking on the occasion, he lauded the community for their all-round involvement and commitment to the nation through education, trade, business, conserving water, protecting the environment and other social-academic activities.
“The Dawoodi Bohras are playing an important role in the development of India… They are spread out all over the world. Now they should become the ‘brand ambassadors’ of India wherever they have settled,” Modi urged amid thunderous applause.
Pointing out that any community of society is judged by how it keeps pace with the changing times, the PM said that the Dawoodi Bohras have always proved themselves at the forefront on this, and the learning institution (‘Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah’) is a glowing example in this direction.
The head of the Dawoodi Bohra community, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, welcomed the Prime Minister at the complex.
The Prime Minister and His Holiness proceeded towards the main entrance, which is modelled after ‘Baab Zuwayla’—a gateway to the old city of Cairo built by the Fatimid imams—from where he entered the campus. They planted a fig tree, which serves as a symbol of growth, renewal, and the flourishing of knowledge. Two young members of the community presented Prime Minister Modi with doves, which were released as a gesture of peace and goodwill.
The Prime Minister then unveiled the inaugural plaque and officially inaugurated the Arabic Academy with a ceremonial untying of the ribbon.
The Prime Minister was given a tour of the campus to take him through the history, heritage and educational values of the Bohra community. Around 500 students and faculty members were situated at various locations along the Prime Minister’s route throughout the campus to greet the PM and engage with him.
The Prime Minister then visited Iwan Taheri, the Ceremonial Hall of the campus where dignitaries and members of the Dawoodi Bohra community from India and abroad were seated.
His Holiness presented the Prime Minister with a traditional shawl as a symbol of his gratitude and appreciation. He was then accompanied by His Holiness to the Western Gate of the campus and bid farewell.
UNI
