In Powerful Somnath OpEd, PM Modi Says Bharat’s Spirit Can Never Be Broken

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an OpEd ahead of his visit to the Somnath Temple on May 11. He described the temple as a symbol of India’s enduring civilisational spirit and resilience.

In a post on X, PM Modi said he had written about the significance of the day in relation to Somnath. He also referred to the greatness of Indian civilisation.

The visit will mark 75 years since then President Rajendra Prasad inaugurated the restored Somnath Temple in 1951.

In the article titled ‘Somnath and Bharat’s unconquerable spirit’, PM Modi wrote about the temple’s historical significance. He said Somnath represents the journey ‘from ruin to renewal’.

“Somnath gives us a civilisational message,” he said, adding that the temple stands as proof that ‘the spirit of the people can never subdued for long’.

PM Modi paid tribute to generations of rulers, saints and ordinary citizens who protected and rebuilt the shrine through centuries of invasions and destruction. He mentioned personalities, including Raja Bhoja, Siddharaja Jayasimha and Ahilyabai Holkar, for their contributions to preserving the temple’s legacy.

The Prime Minister also recalled the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in rebuilding Somnath after Independence.

Referring to Patel’s 1947 visit to the temple ruins, PM Modi wrote that the leader had called on the country to rebuild Somnath. He added that KM Munshi and others later carried forward the vision.

PM Modi further noted that former President Rajendra Prasad inaugurated the restored temple in 1951. He added that the ceremony took place despite opposition from then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

PM Modi highlighted the government’s focus on heritage preservation. He said the principle of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ had guided development work at pilgrimage centres across the country. PM Modi mentioned Kashi, Kedarnath, Ayodhya and Ujjain as examples.

“The struggles and sacrifices of those who laid down their lives to protect Somnath and those who rebuilt it time and again will never be forgotten,” he wrote.

PM Modi also urged people to visit Somnath, saying the temple reflects ‘Bharat’s unconquerable spirit’ and India’s civilisational continuity.

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