New Delhi, Aug 27 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised one of India's largest groups of Muslim clerics Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind for its contribution in the Gujarat flood relief, particularly for cleaning 22 temples and two mosques after the flood waters receded.

"Gujarat saw devastating floods recently. Many people lost their lives. When the waters receded, there was so much filth everywhere. That is when, in Dhanera in the Banaskantha District of Gujarat, volunteers of Jamiat-Ulema-e-Hind cleaned 22 affected temples and two mosques in a phased manner," Modi said in his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme.

"They came together and toiled collectively. The volunteers of Jamiat-Ulema-e-Hind set a fine, inspiring example of unity for cleanliness. If this committed effort towards cleanliness become inherent to us, our country will certainly take our nation to greater heights," Modi said.

He also asked people to begin a campaign ‘Swachchata Hi Sewa', (cleanliness is service), at least 15-20 days prior to Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.