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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday kicked off the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, sharing pictures from his visit to the Somnath temple in 2001 and describing the year-long celebrations as a tribute to country's civilisational resilience.In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the Somnath Swabhiman Parv is about remembering “the countless children of Bharat Mata, who never compromised with their principles and ethos,” even in the most challenging times.“Jai Somnath! Somnath Swabhiman Parv begins today. A thousand years ago, in January 1026, Somnath faced its first-ever attack. The attack of 1026 and the subsequent attacks couldn't diminish the eternal faith of millions, nor break the civilisational spirit that rebuilt Somnath time and again,” PM Modi wrote.

He added, “#SomnathSwabhimanParv is about remembering the countless children of Bharat Mata, who never compromised with their principles and ethos. However daunting the times were, their resolve remained unshaken and their commitment to our ethos unwavering.”The Prime Minister also shared glimpses from a programme held at Somnath on October 31, 2001, when the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the Somnath temple was commemorated.

“I am also sharing with you some glimpses of a program organized in Somnath on October 31, 2001. That was the year when we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the Somnath Temple, which was reconstructed in 1951. In 1951, that historic ceremony was held in the presence of the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ji. The efforts of great personalities including Sardar Patel and KM Munshi Ji in the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple were extremely commendable,” he said.

PM Modi noted that the 2001 programme was attended by several senior leaders, including then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and then Home Minister L. K. Advani.“In this program of the year 2001, the then Prime Minister Atal Ji and Home Minister Advani Ji and many dignitaries had participated. In the year 2026, we are also commemorating the 75th anniversary of the grand ceremony that took place in 1951!,” he added.The Somnath temple at Veraval in Gujarat was reconstructed in 1951, with the inauguration ceremony held in the presence of then President Rajendra Prasad, following efforts led by leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K. M. Munshi.PM Modi is scheduled to visit the Somnath Temple on January 11 to take part in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations.The Somnath Swabhiman Parv will be observed from January 8 to January 11, during which a series of programmes highlighting India’s spiritual heritage, cultural pride and social values will be organised.