Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday issued a strong call for national vigilance, cautioning against what he described as active "merchants of appeasement" who continue to conspire to divide the country. Speaking at a rally in Somnath, Gujarat, he positioned the ancient temple as a historic symbol of resistance against religious terrorism.
Somnath: A Monument of Resilience and Valour
Addressing a gathering near the revered shrine, which was rebuilt after centuries of repeated invasions, PM Modi underscored the temple's inseparable link to the courage of its protectors. He specifically hailed the valour of figures like Raval Kanhardev, Veer Hamirji, and Vegda Bhil, who he said never received due recognition for thwarting attempts to destroy the temple.
"There are no parallels anywhere in the world to Somnath’s retaliation against religious terrorism," the Prime Minister asserted. He accused unnamed historians and politicians of distorting history, claiming they tried to disguise acts of religious terrorism as mere quests for wealth. "They even wrote books to conceal the cruel history of hatred, atrocities and terrorism," he stated.
Modi also referenced the historical challenges faced by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in renovating Somnath and the objections some raised to former President Rajendra Prasad's visit in 1951. He warned that the "same forces" are still pursuing that divisive agenda, albeit with changed methods. "Only their methods have changed. In place of swords, they are now using vile means against India," he said.
India's "Extraordinary Certainty" in a Turbulent World
Later, at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot, located about 200km from Somnath, the Prime Minister shifted his focus to the economy. He assured global investors that India offers "extraordinary certainty" amid worldwide turbulence.
To back his claim, he cited recent positive assessments by international bodies. He highlighted that S&P Global Ratings upgraded India's outlook after 18 years, while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has described the country as the engine of global growth. "In the face of great global uncertainty, India today stands out," PM Modi declared.
He attributed this confidence to political stability, policy continuity, and the rapid expansion of a neo-middle class with rising purchasing power.
From Mobile Phones to Startups: Showcasing Sectoral Shifts
The Prime Minister provided a snapshot of India's transformative progress across key sectors. He pointed out that while India imported 9 out of every 10 mobile phones in 2014, it is now the world's second-largest manufacturer of handsets.
Further illustrating the nation's digital leap, he noted that India is the largest consumer of mobile data globally and hosts the world's largest real-time digital payments platform through UPI. He also mentioned that the country boasts the third-largest startup ecosystem, ranks among the top three in solar power generation, and has emerged as the third-largest aviation market.
Concluding his address on a resolute note, PM Modi promised that the "Reform Express won’t halt," and reiterated his famous Red Fort line: "Yehi samay hai, sahi samay hai (This time is the right time)."
