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This is an archive article published on September 14, 2011

For peace,Modi won’t eat for 3 days beginning his birthday

Open Letter: Tells Gujaratis ‘hate is never conquered by hate’,unity India’s strength.

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Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today took the celebration of the Supreme Court order on Zakia Jafri’s plea one step further,announcing that he would undertake a three-day fast to “strengthen Gujarat’s environment of peace,unity and harmony” as part of a “Sadbhavana Mission”.

While admitting that the Supreme Court ruling could be interpreted in different ways,Modi wrote “in an open letter to citizens”: “It is apparent from the Supreme Court’s judgment. The unhealthy environment created by the unfounded and false allegations made against me and the government of Gujarat,after 2002 riots,has come to an end.”

“Hate is never conquered by hate,” the letter underlined in bold. “‘Six crore Gujaratis’ has not remained merely a word… Every citizen of Gujarat has internalized peace,harmony and development.”

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Further,Modi wrote: “The real strength of our country is its unity and harmony. Unity in diversity is the defining feature of India. It is our responsibility to strengthen unity in our social life. We have got an excellent opportunity to proceed with a positive attitude.”

Incidentally,Modi begins his fast on September 17,the day of his 61st birthday. The venue is still to be decided.

“After 2002,Gujarat has not spared any effort to march towards peace,harmony and progress even amidst false propaganda,lies,conspiracies and allegations,” Modi wrote.

“Let us come together and contribute in enhancing the dignity of Gujarat… as part of this responsibility to strengthen social harmony and brotherhood,I am thinking of starting a movement of Sadbhavana Mission.”

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Hours after the Supreme Court order,saying it would not monitor the Gulberg Society massacre during the 2002 riots and asking the SIT to submit the final report to the magisterial court,Modi had tweeted: “God is Great!”

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