Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday delivered a series of speeches in his home state of Gujarat, issuing a strong warning against appeasement politics, historical whitewashing, and forces that seek to divide the nation. Speaking at both the Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Prabhas Patan and the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Rajkot, Modi highlighted India’s enduring strength, political stability, and economic progress, while linking the lessons of history to present-day governance and national unity.

Somnath Temple: A Symbol of Resilience and Faith

At Prabhas Patan, Modi addressed a gathering of saints, priests, elected representatives, and devotees during the four-day Somnath Swabhiman Parv, which commemorated 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion of the Somnath temple in 1026 AD and 75 years since its post-independence reconstruction in 1951. Modi emphasized that the repeated attacks on Somnath over the centuries could not be reduced to mere economic plunder.

“If the attacks on Somnath were only for economic loot, they would have stopped after the first major plunder a thousand years ago. But that did not happen,” he said. “The temple was attacked repeatedly, idols broken, and structures altered, yet we were taught that it was only about loot. The true history of hatred, atrocity, and terror was concealed from us.”

Modi criticized post-independence attempts by some historians and political figures to whitewash invasions and frame them as routine acts of plunder, arguing that such narratives weakened collective memory and disconnected generations from the sacrifices made to preserve centres of faith.

The Prime Minister portrayed Somnath as a symbol of endurance and victory. “Even after a thousand years, the flag still flies atop the Somnath temple. It reminds the world of India’s strength and spirit,” he said, pointing to the temple’s dharma-dhwaja overlooking the Arabian Sea.

He recounted the temple’s long history of reconstruction: King Kumarapala’s restoration in the 12th century, resistance against Alauddin Khilji’s forces in the late 13th century, efforts by Junagadh rulers in the early 14th century, later attacks by Muzaffar Khan, Sultan Ahmed Shah, and Sultan Mahmud Begada, and desecration under Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He also credited Ahilyabai Holkar for establishing a new temple and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for leading the post-independence restoration.

Modi highlighted the collaborative efforts of rulers such as Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji of Nawanagar, who contributed funds and served as the first chairman of the Somnath Temple Trust, ensuring the temple’s revival in 1951.

He linked heritage with modern development, pointing to initiatives in the Somnath region: the establishment of Somnath Sanskrit University, expansion of Keshod airport to improve pilgrim access, the launch of the Ahmedabad–Veraval Vande Bharat train, and the creation of a comprehensive pilgrimage circuit. “Today’s India remembers its faith while empowering it for the future through infrastructure, connectivity, and technology,” Modi said.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister participated in the Shaurya Yatra as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Thousands of people lined the route from Shankh Circle to Hamirsinh Circle, chanting “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Somnath” as Modi passed through.

Unity and Alertness Against Divisive Forces

Modi warned against forces that, while no longer wielding swords, still conspire to divide India. “Those forces which had opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath temple are still present in our country and they are very much active. Instead of swords, conspiracies are being hatched against India through other means,” he said.

“That is why we need to remain alert and united. We have to make ourselves more powerful to defeat such forces which are conspiring to divide us,” Modi added. He called on citizens to draw inspiration from history and to remain vigilant against modern forms of political and social disruption.

Rajkot: India’s Economic Strength and Global Opportunities

Later in Rajkot, at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, Modi addressed investors and highlighted India’s rapid economic progress. “Amidst great global uncertainty, we are witnessing an era of unprecedented certainty in India. Today, India has political stability and continuity in policies,” he said.

Modi underlined India’s economic achievements, noting that the country is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy. He cited the expanding middle class, rising purchasing power, and the country’s leadership in areas such as vaccine production, mobile data consumption, digital transactions via UPI, solar power generation, and metro networks.

“Today, India is the world’s fastest-growing large economy. The country that manufactures the most vaccines in the world is India. India’s growth revolves around the mantra of ‘Reform, Perform, and Transform,’” Modi said.

He encouraged investors to seize opportunities in India, emphasizing the government’s commitment to creating a stable and predictable economic environment. “That is why I keep saying that this is the time, and it’s also the right time for every investor in the country and the world to take advantage of these opportunities,” he added.

Faith, Heritage, and Modern Governance

Throughout both events, Modi linked India’s rich historical heritage with contemporary governance and economic progress. By connecting the resilience of Somnath temple with India’s present-day political stability and growth trajectory, he underscored the importance of preserving cultural memory while building a strong, modern nation.

The Prime Minister’s addresses emphasized three core themes:

1. Historical awareness and vigilance – Understanding the true history of India’s civilizational struggles, ensuring that past sacrifices and endurance are remembered, and remaining alert to forces that attempt to undermine national unity.
2. Faith and cultural pride – Using heritage as a source of inspiration, ensuring that religious and cultural landmarks like Somnath continue to symbolize resilience, and integrating faith-based tourism with modern infrastructure.
3. Economic and global positioning – Highlighting India’s remarkable growth story, political stability, technological advancement, and increasing influence in the global economy, while inviting investors to participate in the nation’s development.

By blending history, faith, and economic opportunity, Modi presented a narrative of India as a resilient, confident, and forward-looking nation. He framed the lessons of the past as a guide for contemporary governance, urging unity and vigilance in the face of divisive forces while showcasing India’s dynamic growth and development.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Modi’s speeches at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv and the VGRC reinforced the themes of unity, resilience, and progress. By recalling the temple’s thousand-year history of attacks, reconstructions, and enduring cultural significance, he emphasized the importance of vigilance against divisive forces. At the same time, his address in Rajkot highlighted India’s unprecedented political stability, rapid economic growth, and global potential.

Through these events, Modi sought to inspire both citizens and investors, combining the symbolism of heritage with tangible modern achievements, portraying India as a nation that honors its past while confidently embracing its future.