BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Monday connected India’s present economic progress with the historic reconstruction of the Somnath temple, stating that the vision expressed at the time of the temple’s consecration is now close to being realised under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Speaking at a press conference, Trivedi referred to the words of India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who had said during the reconstruction of Somnath that the temple’s consecration would be truly complete only when India regained the same level of prosperity that once made it a global attraction. Trivedi said that India is now steadily moving toward that goal, citing recent economic achievements and noting that the country has become the world’s fourth-largest economy.

He further remarked that the rebuilding of the Somnath temple in 1951, carried out despite opposition from then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, represented the fulfilment of a long-standing national aspiration. According to Trivedi, that dream, first realised in the presence of President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, is now nearing its completion as India advances toward prosperity under Prime Minister Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Somnath on January 11 to participate in celebrations marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. The observance, to be held from January 8 to January 11, will feature a year-long programme of spiritual, cultural and social activities highlighting India’s heritage, values and cultural pride.

The Prime Minister also recently reflected on the temple’s history in an opinion piece, describing Somnath as a symbol of national pride and resilience. He recalled that the first destruction of the shrine occurred in 1026 AD and emphasised that despite repeated attacks over the centuries, the temple continues to stand as a powerful symbol of India’s enduring civilisation.

The Prime Minister cited the book Somanatha: The Shrine Eternal by K. M. Munshi, which records that Mahmud of Ghazni began his campaign toward Somnath in October 1025 and attacked the fortified temple town in January 1026. He also highlighted the decisive role played by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K. M. Munshi in rebuilding the temple after independence, noting that while the temple was ready for inauguration in 1951, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had opposed the participation of President Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the ceremony.