PM Modi holds talks with Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing; discusses trade, border management
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, May 11, took part in the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav celebrations in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district, and said that issues related to national pride have often been influenced by politics, with Somnath Temple being a prime example of this.
“There are countless examples across the world where foreign invaders destroyed sites intrinsically linked to a nation’s identity. Yet, whenever the people of those nations had the opportunity, they united to reclaim their identity and restore their national prestige. However, here in our country, politics continued to be played even over matters concerning national self-respect. Somnath itself stands as the prime example of this,” Prime Minister Modi said.
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He further recalled how after Independence, one of the first responsibilities was the restoration of the Somnath Temple.
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“For this, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Rajendra Prasad made significant efforts. However, it is well known that they faced strong opposition from Jawaharlal Nehru, though I will not go into details here,” he stated.
Somnath, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Issues related to national pride have often been influenced by politics, and the Somnath Temple is a prime example of this. After independence, one of the first responsibilities was the restoration of the Somnath Temple. For… pic.twitter.com/ZRcSx2Ikuq
— IANS (@ians_india) May 11, 2026
However, he noted that it was Sardar Patel’s “willpower that, despite facing such fierce opposition, he remained unwavering in his resolve regarding Somnath.”
“Consequently, the temple was rebuilt, and the nation washed away a stigma that had persisted for centuries,” he added.
Prime Minister Modi said that it was unfortunate to see that there are still forces active in our country today that “prioritise appeasement over national self-respect.”
“We have witnessed this even during occasions such as the construction of the Ram Temple. We have seen how even the construction of the Ram Temple faced opposition. We must remain vigilant against such a mindset. We must move forward by taking development and heritage together,” he added.
He further stated that now power in the world can make India bow down or force it to yield to pressure.
The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav marks 75 years of the inauguration of the restored Somnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Prime Minister Modi said May 11 is also important as India conducted nuclear tests on this date – in 1998.
“On May 11th, the first three nuclear tests were conducted. Our scientists, the champions of India, showcased India’s capabilities to the entire world. It sent shockwaves across the globe. Various sanctions were imposed… But on May 13th, two more nuclear tests were conducted. That demonstrated to the world just how unwavering India’s political will truly is,” Prime Minister Modi said.
#WATCH | Gir Somnath, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "On May 11th, the first three nuclear tests were conducted. Our scientists, the champions of India, showcased India's capabilities to the entire world. It sent shockwaves across the globe. Various sanctions were… pic.twitter.com/7Zp7wgztho
— ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2026
He added, “At that time, the entire world’s pressure was on India. Yet, under the leadership of Atal-ji (Atal Bihari Vajpayee), the BJP government demonstrated that for us, the Nation comes first. No power on Earth can make India bow down; no power can force it to yield to pressure,” he added.
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