At a time when the world is anxiously concerned about the Taliban’s seize of power in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of launching new projects at the historic Somnath temple on August 20, reminded the world that the reign of terror is always temporary and cannot be permanent.
The Prime Minister, in a subtle message, said the “destructive and terror forces” may become dominant temporarily but were not permanent, citing the example of the Somnath temple, which was razed and plundered several times in the past and resurrected every time with greater glory.
‘Somnath temple best example’ADVERTISEMENT
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“Forces that strive for destruction and those who follow the ideology of creating empires out of terrorism can dominate for some time, but their existence is never permanent, as they cannot suppress humanity forever,” he stated. The Somnath temple was the best example and also an assurance to the world. The world is apprehensive of such ideologies, he pointed out.
“This temple was destroyed, its statues were broken but it was resurrected again as many times as it was razed, because terrorism cannot suppress the faith,” he observed.
The Prime Minister, who is also the chairman of the Somnath temple trust, emphasised the need to strengthen religious tourism, citing examples of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Somnath temple and other landmark religious and pilgrimage centres. “We need to strengthen religious tourism,” he asserted.
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Employment opportunities
Religious tourism and pilgrimage would provide new employment opportunities and ensure that the future generations would remain connected with India's history, its traditions and its heritage, he noted.
The reconstruction of the Somnath temple to grand renovation was due to centuries of strong will and ideological continuity and contribution by great men like Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Patel and K.M. Munshi, who had to face difficulties for this campaign even after Independence, he said.
“Finally, Somnath mandir got established as a divine pillar of modern India in 1950. The country is now moving towards amicable solutions to difficult problems. A bright pillar of the glory of modern India is coming up in the form of Ram mandir in Ayodhya,” he stressed.
Tourism could be linked to the local economy so that tourism activities provided employment to youth, he said.
Tourist circuits
“Our tourism department is developing tourist circuits based on 15 different themes under the ‘Swadesh Darshan’ programme. These circuits will help in the development of tourism and employment opportunities across regions. We have taken several steps to improve tourism across the nation. India was placed 65th on Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index. Till 2019, it has jumped to 34th spot,” he highlighted.
Another theme of Mr. Modi’s speech was learning from history and building the “new India on the legacy” of ancient history. The country was reviving the ancient glory by building modern infrastructure.
“When I talk about a unite India movement, it is not just about geographical and ideological connection, but an oath to create a new India with the legacy of our history. Ram temple is being developed as a strong pillar of our new India, he reiterated.
Among the projects he inaugurated or laid foundation for include a Somnath Promenade, a Somnath Exhibition Centre, and the reconstructed temple precinct of Old Somnath.
Foundation for Parvati temple
Mr. Modi also laid the foundation stone for a Parvati temple, which is proposed to be constructed at a total outlay of ₹30 crore.
On the occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP patriarch L.K. Advani, both members of the Somnath temple trust, were present via video conferencing.