Addressing a public meeting organised in Bhavnath Taleti at the foot of the Giranar Mountain here on the occasion of Maha-Shivratri festival, Modi said, “We have a wrong impression that only (Christian) missionaries are serving people and society. In fact, our (Hindu) tradition teaches us to serve the mankind.”

He also visited Bharti Ashram and inaugurated Sabha-khand (meeting hall) and Anna-Kshetra (premises in which free food is provided to the devotees).

Mahant Bharti Bapu felicitated Modi by offering him a sword and wrapping his head with a saffron turban on the occasion.

He then asked, “Khenchu?” “Ha…Khencho” (should I pull out the sword? Yes, you do) audience nodded. The Chief Minister pulled out the sword from its sheath and waved it towards the crowd. The visit assumes significance as Modi is the first CM to visit the Mela on Shivratri.

Stressing on the need for developing tourism in the district, he said, “Junagadh City and district have a tremendous tourism potential.” Tourism is the only industry in which comparatively less fund is required for its development while its benefits reach all, he added.

He said the development of Giranar is already under progress, and appealed to the people, particularly Sadhus, to extend their helping hand in the task to achieve the goal.