Modi: Somnath Swabhiman Parv Marks Spirit Of India’s Heritage
In a post on X, Modi said, “Jai Somnath! Somnath Swabhiman Parv begins today. A thousand years ago, in January 1026, Somnath faced its first-ever attack. The attack of 1026 and the subsequent attacks could not diminish the eternal faith of millions, nor break the civilisational spirit that rebuilt Somnath time and again.”
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, which began on the day, is an occasion to remember the countless children of Bharat Mata who never compromised on their principles and ethos. Extending greetings to the nation on the commencement of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, the Prime Minister recalled the timeless civilisational spirit that has kept Somnath alive in the hearts of millions for over a millennium.
In a post on X, Modi said, “Jai Somnath! Somnath Swabhiman Parv begins today. A thousand years ago, in January 1026, Somnath faced its first-ever attack. The attack of 1026 and the subsequent attacks could not diminish the eternal faith of millions, nor break the civilisational spirit that rebuilt Somnath time and again.” The Prime Minister is expected to participate in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv at the temple on January 11.
He said the event was about remembering those who stood firm in their values despite daunting circumstances. “Somnath Swabhiman Parv is about remembering the countless children of Bharat Mata who never compromised with their principles and ethos. However challenging the times were, their resolve remained unshaken and their commitment to our ethos unwavering,” he said. Modi also shared glimpses from his previous visits to Somnath and invited citizens to take part in the celebrations by sharing their memories using the hashtag #SomnathSwabhimanParv.
Recalling the programme held on October 31, 2001, he noted that it marked 50 years since the rebuilt Somnath Temple was opened in 1951 in the presence of then President Dr Rajendra Prasad. He said the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, K.M. Munshi and several others were pivotal to the reconstruction of the temple. The 2001 programme also coincided with the 125th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel and was attended by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Home Minister L.K. Advani and other dignitaries.
The Prime Minister underscored that 2026 would mark 75 years since the grand ceremony of 1951, when the Somnath Temple was rededicated to the nation. “This milestone is not just about the temple’s reconstruction, but about the indomitable spirit of our civilisation that continues to inspire generations,” he said.