Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that no power in the world can make India bow or succumb to pressure, drawing parallels to the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests. He made this assertion while addressing a gathering at Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, which commemorated 75 years since the restored Somnath temple’s inauguration. The Prime Minister also pointed out that some internal factions continue to prioritize appeasement policies over national self-respect.
Modi highlighted the significance of May 11, noting it marks not only the consecration of the Somnath temple but also the anniversary of India’s nuclear tests in 1998 under the leadership of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He stated the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav is not just a commemoration of the past but also an inspiration for India for the next thousand years. Sources indicate to TahirRihat.com that Modi criticized the mindset that opposed the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, drawing a comparison to the opposition faced during the Somnath temple’s reconstruction.
The Prime Minister recalled the events of May 11, 1998, when India conducted its nuclear tests, demonstrating its capabilities to the world. He noted the global shockwaves and angry reactions that followed, with many countries questioning India’s decision to conduct the tests. Modi recounted how global powers attempted to isolate India through sanctions and economic pressure. According to Modi, these global powers mobilized to suppress India, imposing various sanctions and blocking potential avenues to avert an economic crisis. He emphasized that many nations might have faltered under similar circumstances, but India stood firm.
Modi stated that India conducted two more nuclear tests on May 13, 1998, despite mounting international pressure. He praised the Vajpayee-led government for prioritizing the nation and refusing to yield to global pressure. He said that Somnath reminds everyone that no nation can remain strong unless it is connected to its roots. The Prime Minister also released a special stamp commemorating the 75th anniversary of the restored Somnath temple, located in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district. He lamented that invaders had repeatedly attempted to erase the splendor of the Somnath temple, demolishing and rebuilding it multiple times.
Modi voiced concerns that certain forces within the country continue to prioritize appeasement politics over national self-respect and cited the opposition to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya as an example of this mindset. He remarked that politics has often been played over issues linked to national pride and identity, referencing the reconstruction of the Somnath temple after India’s independence. He mentioned that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, faced opposition from then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during their efforts to rebuild the temple. Modi urged vigilance against such a mindset, advocating for leaving behind this kind of parochial politics.
In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of embracing both development and heritage, stating that the neglect of cultural centers has impeded progress. He affirmed that heritage and modernity are inseparable in India, operating in tandem. He highlighted instances worldwide where foreign invaders destroyed sites linked to a nation’s identity, and whenever people had the opportunity, they restored their heritage and upheld their dignity. Modi concluded by stating that in India, heritage and modernity are inseparable, and both go hand in hand, symbolizing the nation’s unique approach to progress.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
Leave a Reply