Page 11 - NIS English 1-15 Feb, 2026
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PM’s Article | SPECIAL
The temple stands as glorious as ever leashed upon the people of the town and
because of numerous efforts to restore the devastation that was inflicted upon the
shrine have been documented in great detail
Somnath to its grandeur. One such in various historical accounts. When you read
milestone completes 75 years in 2026. them, the heart trembles. Each line carries
It was during a ceremony on May the weight of grief, cruelty and a sorrow that
11th, 1951, in the presence of the refuses to fade with time.
Imagine the impact it had on Bharat and the
then President of India, Dr. Rajendra morale of the people. After all, Somnath had
Prasad, that the restored temple opened great spiritual significance. It was also on the
its doors to devotees. coast, giving strength to a society with great
economic prowess, whose sea traders and
seafarers carried tales of its grandeur far and
wide.
shrine. It was in January of 1026 that Mahmud Yet, I am proud to state unequivocally that
of Ghazni attacked this Temple, seeking to the story of Somnath, a thousand years after
destroy a great symbol of faith and civilisation, the first attack, is not defined by destruction.
through a violent and barbaric invasion. It is defined by the unbreakable courage of
Yet, one thousand years later, the Temple crores of children of Bharat Mata.
stands as glorious as ever because of numer- The medieval barbarism that began a thou-
ous efforts to restore Somnath to its grandeur. sand years ago in 1026 went on to ‘inspire’
One such milestone completes 75 years in others to repeatedly attack Somnath. It was
2026. It was during a ceremony on May 11th the start of an attempt to enslave our people
1951, in the presence of the then President of and culture. But, each time the Temple was
India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, that the restored attacked, we also had great men and women
Temple opened its doors to devotees. who stood up to defend it and even made
The first invasion of Somnath a thousand the ultimate sacrifice. And every single time,
years ago in 1026, the cruelty that was un- generation after generation, the people of
February 1-15, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 9
