Qadri strikes local chord

TNN | Feb 26, 2012, 02.43AM IST

VADODARA: At Karjan where a sea of humanity had gathered to listen to noted Pakistani Islamic scholar Tahir-ul-Qadri, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi sent a special message wishing the success of the programme. Modi's message, which was read out before the gathering, appreciated Qadri's works.

State's junior home minister Praful Patel, too, reached the venue to attend the programme, while the organizers also appreciated efforts made by Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel.

Qadri himself struck a local chord immediately. "I am very happy coming to Gujarat. Tamam Gujarati mate dua karu chu. Khushal raho, hali mali ne raho. (I am praying for all Gujaratis. Live in prosperity and live in harmony)," he said beginning his speech, while once again thanking the Gujarat government and the administration for treating him as a state guest.

Qadri informed the gathering that earlier when he had left Canada, he was issued permission for only a programme in Vadodara. "I thank the 'hukumat' of Hindustan (Government of India) for providing permissions for other places," he said. Later, he also showed an English version of Bhagwad Gita, which he referred to explain the message of peace.

Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/Qadri-strikes-local-chord/articleshow/12038138.cms