Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful address at the historic Shri Somnath Temple in Gujarat, taking a strong stance against what he described as deliberate attempts to distort India's historical narrative. Speaking at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, the Prime Minister emphasized the temple's significance as a symbol of the nation's unshakeable faith and collective resilience.
Condemning the 'Colonial Mindset' and Historical Whitewashing
In his speech on January 11, 2026, Prime Minister Modi pointedly criticized certain historians and politicians. He accused them of trying to whitewash the history of foreign invaders and suppress the contributions of India's national heroes. Modi stated that a persistent effort was made to erase the poignant history of the Somnath temple itself from public memory.
The Prime Minister highlighted that even after India gained Independence, the path to restoring the temple's glory was fraught with challenges. He recalled how the country's first Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, faced significant obstacles when he undertook the mission to rebuild the sacred structure. Furthermore, objections were reportedly raised against the visit of the then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, to the temple.
Labeling Destruction as Mere 'Loot'
Modi elaborated on the nature of the historical distortion he was challenging. He asserted that those with a colonial mindset had attempted to downplay the atrocities committed by invaders. A key strategy, according to him, was to label the deliberate destruction of temples like Somnath as simple acts of loot, thereby minimizing the cultural and religious devastation inflicted.
"The Somnath Swabhiman Parv stands as a symbol of India’s enduring faith and collective strength," the Prime Minister affirmed, framing the event as a reclamation of historical truth and national pride.
A Call for Unity and Future Preparedness
Moving from historical reflection to a contemporary call to action, PM Modi urged all citizens to remain united and strengthen their resolve. He called upon the nation to identify and defeat forces that seek to divide the country along various lines.
He concluded with a forward-looking vision, suggesting that the journey of the last 1,000 years should serve as a profound lesson and inspiration. This historical perspective, he argued, should prepare and motivate India to face the challenges and opportunities of the next millennium with confidence and solidarity.
The speech, set against the backdrop of one of India's most iconic temples, reinforced the government's focus on cultural nationalism and a reinterpretation of historical narratives from a national perspective.
