Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant three-day official visit to his home state of Gujarat, commencing on Saturday. The packed itinerary blends deep cultural and historical commemorations with high-level diplomacy and economic development initiatives.
A Historic Pilgrimage to Somnath
The Prime Minister's journey began at the revered Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath district, where he was warmly received by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other senior leaders. His arrival coincides with the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a major event marking a millennium since the first attack on the ancient temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026.
Expressing his sentiments on social media platform X, PM Modi stated he was feeling blessed to be at Somnath, which he described as a proud symbol of India's civilisational courage. He noted the nationwide observance of the temple's resilience over a thousand years.
On Saturday evening, the Prime Minister participated in a collective Omkar Mantra chanting session at the temple premises. The spiritual atmosphere was complemented by a grand technological display—a drone show featuring nearly 3,000 drones illustrating key historical moments associated with Somnath. In his official capacity as the chairman of the Shree Somnath Trust, PM Modi also presided over a meeting of the trust.
Commemorations and Economic Engagements
The second day, Sunday, is dedicated to solemn remembrance and public address. PM Modi will join the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession that honours the memory of those who sacrificed their lives defending the Somnath temple. A poignant highlight of this procession will be a symbolic march of 108 horses.
Following prayers at the temple, the Prime Minister will address a public function for the Swabhiman Parv. This event not only remembers the 1026 invasion but also celebrates 75 years of the temple's restoration, a project completed in 1951 under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Later, PM Modi will shift focus to economic growth, travelling to Rajkot for the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra region. Here, he will inaugurate a trade show and exhibition, announce 14 new greenfield smart GIDC (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation) estates, and inaugurate a dedicated GIDC medical device park. Before the day concludes, he will inaugurate the remaining stretch of Phase 2 of the Ahmedabad Metro, connecting Sector 10A to Mahatma Mandir.
High-Stakes Diplomacy with Germany
The visit culminates on Monday with a major diplomatic engagement. Prime Minister Modi will host German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Gujarat. The schedule for the German leader's visit is rich with cultural and business interactions.
The two leaders will first visit the historic Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and attend the vibrant International Kite Festival, showcasing Gujarat's culture. The core diplomatic agenda will unfold at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, where PM Modi and Chancellor Merz will hold bilateral talks.
These discussions are of particular significance as they will review the progress in the India-Germany strategic partnership, which is currently observing its 25th anniversary. The talks are expected to cover delegation-level discussions, interactions with business representatives, and an exchange of views on pressing regional and global issues. A joint press statement is scheduled to conclude the official engagements.
This three-day tour underscores the government's focus on intertwining cultural heritage with forward-looking economic and diplomatic outreach, placing Gujarat at the center of a multifaceted national agenda.
