PM wishes 'Haj goodwill delegation'

New Delhi, Dec 13: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh met a Haj goodwill delegation here today and conveyed his best wishes for a successful Haj pilgrimage.

“In Islam, the performance of Haj is considered a rare privilege and blessed are those who have this opportunity. So, I congratulate you for undertaking this sacred pilgrimage. My prayer and the prayer of all people of India is that all those pilgrims who will go for the performance of Haj will pray for the peace, amity and prevalence of harmony in our country," Dr. Singh said.

He further said that the message of Islam is the message of peace and brotherhood, and added that “Islam is a part of our civilisational heritage, adding therefore this message of peace, harmony, amity must go forth from this land and you are the real ambassadors."

“Each one of you is the ambassador of our country. So, when you are in the sacred soil of Saudi Arabia, please convey the people of India"s, the Government of India"s greetings to all the high dignitaries of the Royal Kingdom," he added.

The fact as Pranab Mukherjee has mentioned we have 150 million Muslims, he later said.

“We are very grateful to His Majesty, King Abdullah who it was our privilege to welcome last year on our Republic Day. He has always taken a very deep interest in promoting brotherly relations between our two countries. I request you to convey to all the high dignitaries that you meet, right from His Majesty, our greetings and best wishes," Dr. Singh added.

Speaking on the arrangements for pilgrims, he said the Haj goodwill delegation when you are in Saudi Arabia, please look at the arrangements that are being made for the comfort of our pilgrims.

“Whatever efforts were required, we made. We have Antulay Ji, Ahmed Saheb, Pranab Mukherjee Saheb, they have taken great pains to ensure that our pilgrims are looked after well. But, if there are any deficiencies, you can point that out and the officials on the spot will be available to set matters right," he added.

“May the purpose for which you are performing this sacred pilgrimage be successful. I on behalf of people of India once again give you my warm greetings," the Prime Minister later said.

ANI>