Overview
- Modi, who published a signed op-ed Friday, said he will visit Somnath on May 11 to mark 75 years since President Rajendra Prasad reopened the rebuilt temple in 1951.
- In the piece he called Somnath a symbol of India’s resilience and announced special pujas to run for the next 1,000 days as a tribute to those who protected and rebuilt it.
- He recalled Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 1947 call to reconstruct the shrine and noted Prasad attended the 1951 ceremony despite objections from Jawaharlal Nehru.
- The government framed the observances under its “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” approach, citing upgrades at Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, Ram Mandir and Mahakaleshwar to boost access and local livelihoods.
- State leaders promoted the May 8–11 celebrations and planned district programs with Kalash Yatras and a live telecast of Modi’s address, which could draw more visitors and donations to Somnath.