New Delhi, Mar 1: While addressing an event on Islamic heritage on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Muslim youths in India are reaping the benefits of development while also adhering to their religious identity. "The Muslim youth have Quran in one hand, and computer in another," said PM Modi, with Jordan's King Abdullah II on his side.

Describing Islam as an integral part of India's diversity, Modi said the sub-continent has long remained a home for thousands of Sufi saints. "Thousands of Islamic scholars, ulemas and Sufi saints have taken birth on this land. Their teachings will continue to inspire us forever," he said.

"One such saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin, came to Delhi - the historical capital of India. And due to his teachings, we have the ganga-jamuni tehzeeb flourishing over here," Modi added.

The Prime Minister also described "true Islam" as th anecdote to the "poison of extremism perpetrated by radical terrorists". "The message of Sufism, the message of love, peace and tolerance could counter the venom of terrorism," he added.

"Those who are killing in the name of faith are bringing massive disrepute to that religion," Modi further said during his keynote address at 'Islamic Heritage: Promoting Understanding and Moderation'.

Modi also sought to allay doubts over the alleged exclusion of minorities under the incumbent regime at Centre. "A nation can progress only if all sections of society flourish. How could we exclude anyone? We strictly believe and practise the philosophy of development of all, exclusion of none," he told the gathering.

The visiting Jordan King, speaking after Modi, called for inclusion of India in global strategies being formulated to fight against terrorism.

"Jordan is working globally for dialogue in peace. The world is one family. However different our countries and people are we have shared responsibility to each other as well as future," he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 01, 2018 12:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).