Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the Somnath Swabhiman Parv is an occasion to remember the countless sons and daughters of Bharat Mata who never compromised with their principles and cultural ethos, despite facing the most challenging times.
The year-long Somnath Swabhiman Parv commemorates the resilience of Indian civilisation, symbolised by the repeated rebuilding of the Somnath temple at Veraval in Gujarat after it was ravaged multiple times by foreign invaders.
“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 couldn’t diminish the eternal faith of millions, nor break the civilisational spirit that rebuilt Somnath time and again,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
Mr Modi is scheduled to participate in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations at the historic temple on January 11. He also shared photographs from his previous visits to Somnath and encouraged people to post their pictures using the hashtag #SomnathSwabhimanParv.
“Somnath Swabhiman Parv is about remembering the countless children of Bharat Mata, who never compromised with their principles and ethos. However daunting the times were, their resolve remained unshaken and their commitment to our ethos unwavering,” he said.
The Prime Minister also shared glimpses from a programme held at Somnath on October 31, 2001, which marked 50 years since the rebuilt temple was inaugurated in 1951 in the presence of then President Rajendra Prasad.
Recalling the reconstruction of the temple, Mr Modi said the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, K M Munshi and several others were noteworthy. He noted that the 2001 programme was attended by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Home Minister L K Advani and several other dignitaries.
“In 2026, we will mark 75 years since the grand ceremony of 1951,” the Prime Minister added.
