Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi has wished Parsi pilgrim place Udvada get recognition of ‘World heritage centre of religious harmony'. Chief Minister said this at Udvada in Valsad where he was invited as a special guest in 1290th birth celebration of Parsi Atash Behram Iranshah.
On the occasion, Chief Minister was felicitated by head Dasturjees and leaders of Parsi community. Chief Minister prayed at sacred fire Atash Behram and viewed the display of Zoroastrian Information Centre which showcases the lifestyle of Parsi people.
Shri Modi said he is indebted to Parsi community and that he seeks the blessing of Humta-Hukhta-Huvarshta (Good thoughts-Good words-Good deeds) from Iranshah.
Parsi people have always contributed greatly in the growth of India, Chief Minister said while referring to the name of Madam Cama who assisted freedom fighter Shyamji Krishna Varma. Contribution of Parsi people should be documented, he added.
Dastur Kurshedjee Kekobad wished that a decade later Shri Modi attend the 1300th birth celebration of Iranshah as the Prime Minister of India. He said that Parsi people are highly secure in Gujarat. ‘Foundation for development of Udvada' is the result of Chief Minister's farsightedness. Zoroastrian Information Centre has also been developed with the help of Chief Minister's funding.Head Dasurjees and Parsi dignitaries expressed gratitude towards Chief Minister and gave standing ovation to him. Standing ovation from a micro-minority community is the real certificate for the good governance practices of his government, said Chief Minister.
Noted Hindi film actor Boman Irani described Shri Modi as the guardian of the sacred fire Atash Behram and of pilgrim place Udvada, second after King Jadav Rana of Sanjan who gave shelter to Parsi people.
BJP national office bearer Smruti Irani, religious leaders, Parsi community leaders and Collector Sushri P.Barthi were present on the occasion among others.