On 1st February, 2014, Shri Narendra Modi was in Somnath to dedicate the Swarnim Kalash of Shree Somnath temple. Shri Modi also opened the Golden top of the temple and dedicated the completed golden conversion of the temple. On the occasion, he also inaugurated a new guest house built by Shri Somnath Maheshwari community.
Development with Jan Bhagidari and scope for tourism-led development was the focus of Shri Narendra Modi’s address at the programme organized by Shree Somnath Trust.
Shri Modi spoke about the Gujarat government’s emphasis on ensuring development with peoples’ participation.Terming Junagadh and Somnath as tourism capitals of Gujarat, Shri Modi spoke of the tremendous scope for tourism and development in these regions, and said that the creation of Gir Somnath as a new district was an effort at encompassing this untapped potential. Highlighting the contribution of great leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad and K M Munshi, Shri Modi said, “If there was no Sardar Patel, would we have Somnath with us? Would we have such a grand temple? Who had dreamt that the Somnath temple would once again have gold! I am sure this will make KM Munshi, Sardar Patel and Rajendra Babu very glad.”
Putting forth the vast potential of coasts, Shri Narendra Modi called for the need to change our mindset and look ahead at making coasts the ‘Gateway to India’s progress’. Highlighting initiatives like the Sagarkhedu Yojana, Shri Modi said, “Under Sagarkhedu Yojana, ITIs were formed and this empowered our youth with skills. KVKs came up and youth joined the development journey”. Shri Modi also spoke about the lives of fishermen, and by putting forth the initiative of Sakhi Mandals -which involved cultivation of sea weeds – Shri Modi spoke about the need to empower them and thereby involve them in the Nation’s development journey.
Making a strong statement on the Central government’s apathy in dealing with sensitive issues, Shri Modi spoke on how he had received a letter from 12-year-old Bhavika, who had lost her father recently. Shri Modi said that Bhavika was in search of justice, since her father – a fisherman – had been caught in Pakistan, and died in the jail. “Bhavika wants to know how her father died. She is in search of justice. I urge the Prime Minister to bring her father's dead body back,” said Shri Modi.
Speaking about the significance of going on Yatras in Hindu mythology, Shri Modi underscored the deep impact any kind of philanthropy has, wherein not only is the doer happy, but even the coming generations stand to benefit from the good deeds.
Highlighting the pro-governance initiatives of Gujarat government, Shri Modi said that effectual efforts have been made towards providing electricity, healthcare facilities and development of the less privileged through the Anganwadis.
Dignitaries to grace the occasion included Shri Keshubhai Patel and Shri Babubhai Bokhiriya, Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources.
A soulful rendition of Indian classical ragas was also put forth by artists on this occasion.
