Amit Shah Affirms Eternal Nature of India's Sanatan Dharma
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah delivered a powerful message on Tuesday. He asserted that India's Sanatan Dharma and cultural heritage remain indestructible. Shah made these remarks while addressing a public gathering in his hometown of Mansa, located in Gandhinagar district.
Sanatan Dharma Compared to Celestial Bodies
Amit Shah stated clearly that repeated attempts over many centuries have failed to erase Indian beliefs. He emphasized this point to the entire world. "This is a message to the whole world that it is not so easy to erase India's Sanatan Dharma, culture and the faith of the Indian people," Shah told the audience. He described these elements as eternal and immortal, drawing a direct comparison to the perpetual nature of the sun and the moon.
Somnath Temple: A Testament of Resilience
The minister specifically highlighted the Somnath temple as a prime example of this resilience. He recounted its history of multiple attacks and destruction by various invaders. Despite this, the temple was rebuilt each time. Today, it stands proudly on the Gujarat coast. Shah noted that the forces which believed in destruction have vanished from history. In contrast, the temple continues to thrive.
He credited post-independence leaders for its reconstruction. Figures like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, K M Munshi, the Maharaja of Jamnagar, and India's first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad played crucial roles. The temple now serves as a living testament to Sanatan Dharma, faith, and national pride.
Development Initiatives in Mansa
Shah visited Mansa to inaugurate a new sports complex. He also laid foundation stones for several development projects. The total value of these projects amounts to Rs 267 crore. During his speech, the minister announced an additional funding initiative. He plans to raise Rs 15 crore through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
This extra money will upgrade the sports complex further. It will help incorporate more necessary facilities. Shah stressed the responsibility of local elected representatives. They must ensure children from surrounding areas can access and fully utilize this new infrastructure.
Gujarat's Sports Ambitions
The Union Minister commended the Gujarat government's efforts to develop sports infrastructure. He pointed to Ahmedabad's transformation into a designated 'sports hub city'. This development aims to attract international attention. Shah revealed that athletes from several countries are expected to visit Ahmedabad for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Furthermore, active efforts are underway to secure hosting rights for the 2036 Olympic Games for India. This forms part of a broader push to elevate the nation's sporting profile.
Commemorating Cultural Consciousness
Amit Shah also spoke about the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched this year-long observance. It marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion of the Somnath temple. Shah stated that this initiative will reaffirm India's cultural consciousness and self-respect on a global stage.