Proud that all religions in world exist in India: PM on Mann Ki Baat

New Delhi: As the holy month of Ramzan began on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation and prayed that it enhances the spirit of peace and harmony in the country which is "proud" to have people from all faiths and communities.

He hailed the fact that in India, believers and athiests as well as "those believing in idol worship" and "those opposing the idol worship" co-exist peacefully.

Modi said that ultimately, all religions, faiths, ideologies or traditions give the message of peace, unity and goodwill.

"Greetings on the start of Ramzan. May this holy month enhance the spirit of togetherness, peace & harmony across the world," he tweeted this morning.

Later, in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', the prime minister said, "I convey my hearty greetings to everyone in India and elsewhere in the world, especially the Muslim brethren at the advent of the auspicious month of Ramazan." 

He noted that prayers, spirituality and charity are accorded the highest priority during the month of fasting.

"We Indians are very lucky that our ancestors have created such a tradition that today India and and its 1.25 billion people can take pride in the fact that people from all communities and faith are available here," Modi said.

"We have adapted ourselves to the myriad kinds of ideologies, different ways of worshipping and all types of traditions and imbibed the art of co-existential living," he added.

He expressed confidence that the holy month would be helpful in further strengthening these values of peace, unity and goodwill.