Message of Sufi saints relevant in this war-ravaged world: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday recited verses of leading Sufi saints to stress their relevance in this increasingly strife-torn world.

Attending Jahan-e-Khusrau festival at Sunder Nursery in the presence of festival’s patrons and organisers, including Karan Singh and Muzaffar Ali, Modi spoke of how Amir Khusrau lauded India as the most majestic among nations.

Stressing the syncretic musical culture practised by Sufi saints Bulle Shah, Baba Farid, Nizamuddin Aulia and Khusrau, Modi said these mystics imbibed the finest of Bhakti tradition and blended it in their music.

“Amir Khusrau described Sanskrit as the most magnificent language in the world,” the prime minister said, remembering how he cited verses of Rumi and Mirza Ghalib during his visits to Afghanistan and Iran respectively.

The prime minister spoke of Sufi music as a fine embodiment of India’s shared plural heritage and said “the message of peace and calm propagated by Sufi saints can teach us a lot in these times increasingly ravaged by wars”.