The Maheshwari community wields a sword as well as it does a scale: Amit Shah

A three-day international Maheshwari Convention and Global Expo commenced on Friday at the Jodhpur Polytechnic College grounds. The historic event was attended by several top leaders, central ministers, public representatives, and thousands of people from the Maheshwari community, both from within the country and abroad. The convention served as a powerful platform for the community to showcase its cultural heritage, economic contribution, and role in nation-building.

Addressing the convention, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that the Maheshwari community's contribution to the country's cultural resurgence and economic development has been historic and unparalleled. "The Maheshwari community looks as good with a sword in hand as with a scale," he said. Referring to the community's philanthropists, he said that if a list of the community's donors is compiled, it would fill several pages. He added that the Maheshwari community has never been job-seekers, but has always been job-creators, and this community will continue to serve the country for centuries to come.

Minister Amit Shah said that to make India number one in every field, it is essential to focus on three things: manufacturing products that are not made in the country, using indigenous products as much as possible, and using the mother tongue, especially at home and with children. He said that history is a witness that from the Mughal era to the freedom struggle, the Maheshwari community has strengthened the country's economic backbone. The community's wealthy people also provided financial support to Mahatma Gandhi's movements. After independence, this community never looked back in the industrial world.

Amit Shah said that those who criticize the community's large gatherings do not understand that such gatherings unite India, they do not divide it. He said that if every community takes responsibility for its poor and needy brothers and sisters, poverty can be eradicated from the country. If every community becomes self-sufficient, the entire India will become self-reliant.

The Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has become the fourth-largest economy in the world today and is on its way to becoming the third-largest by next year. He pointed out that out of 100 digital payments in the world, 50 take place in India. India is third in the world in start-ups, automobile, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. He appealed to the youth that the responsibility of taking the country forward now lies with the young generation.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on the occasion that just as Lord Shiva drank poison for the welfare of the universe, the Maheshwari community has always adopted the path of sacrifice and service. He said that it is the responsibility of the new generation to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors and play their role in the development of society and the country. He termed innovation, modernization, and economic change as the need of the hour.

At the event, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat read out a message sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maheshwari community. In his message, the Prime Minister congratulated the community on organizing the convention and said that the Maheshwari community is synonymous with service, dedication, and nation-building.

Present on the occasion were Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and thousands of people from India and abroad.