Holier than thou attitude responsible for conflicts: Modi

Ujjain: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said on Saturday that a “holier than thou” attitude was responsible for conflicts. Addressing the International Convention on Universal Message of Simhasthon ,on the sidelines of the Simhasth Kumbh, he said, Flanked by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, "Let’s look within and see how we can grow ourselves."

The motto of “good for all” is deep rooted in Indian culture, the PM said adding “We belong to a tradition where even a bhikshuk (beggar) says, ‘may good happen to the person who gives me and also to the person who does not’” .

There was a time when crossing the seas was considered unholy but that has changed. Likewise, some traditions can also change with time,” he said.

Commenting on the Indian elections, Modi said: “Look at our elections . The nation is so big and there are many voters. Still. the election commission organises it successfully". It may be recalled here that elections to five state assemblies are set to conclude on Monday. While West Bengal and Assam have held polling, it will be held on Monday in Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. Counting is to be held May 19.

Referring to the Simhastha Kumbh mela, a huge spiritual gathering on the banks of the Shipra river in Madhya Pradesh, Modi asked “Can we not tell the world about our organising capacity after holding an event like the Kumbh?”

He referred to arrangements, including connectivity, for the hundreds and thousands of devotees, in this connection.

President Sirisena, who had spoken earlier, referred to the long standing ties between India and Sri Lanka.

Sirisena said that his first overseas visit after being elected president last year was to India, and that Modi came on a return visit later.

The Ujjain conference spread over several sessions is part of the ongoing Simhasta Kumbh mela.