*Holistic development is the true progress of the nation: From Ram Mandir to Somnath Temple, our beliefs are receiving complete respect – Energy Minister Anil Vij*

*I too have bowed my head and offered prayers at Somnath Temple; the atmosphere there brings immense peace and spiritual satisfaction: Anil Vij*

*Energy Minister Anil Vij addressed people as the chief guest at the “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” organized at Hathi Khana Temple in Ambala on the occasion of the 75th Pran-Pratishtha anniversary of Somnath Temple*

Chandigarh, May 11 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi never misses an opportunity to honor the faith and beliefs of the people. Whether it is Ram Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, or other sacred places, all are being given due respect. In the same spirit, on the occasion of the 75th Pran-Pratishtha anniversary of Somnath Temple, the Prime Minister has connected the entire nation through this celebration and is himself present at Somnath Temple for darshan.

Sh. Vij was addressing people today as the chief guest at the “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” organized at the historic Kailash Hathi Khana Temple in Ambala Cantonment on the occasion of the 75th Pran-Pratishtha anniversary of Somnath Temple. During the program, a live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini’s program was also shown.

Energy Minister Anil Vij said that true progress of a nation lies in holistic development — strengthening the economy, infrastructure, public facilities, armed forces, and preserving places connected with our faith and culture. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is paying attention to all these aspects simultaneously.

Sh. Vij shared that he too has visited Somnath Temple and offered prayers there. He said the atmosphere and spiritual peace at the temple provide immense satisfaction and calmness to the mind. He added that in 1951, India’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad had performed the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of the temple, and today the 75th anniversary of that sacred occasion is being celebrated.

He said it was a matter of pride that the 75th anniversary celebrations of Somnath Temple were being observed at the historic Kailash Hathi Khana Temple in Ambala Cantonment. He also thanked Saint Baba Manmohan Das Ji for personally participating and making the program successful.

*Somnath Temple is a symbol of our faith and self-respect; that is why foreign invaders repeatedly looted and destroyed it: Anil Vij*

Energy Minister Anil Vij said that the history of Somnath Temple is well known — it was destroyed several times and rebuilt repeatedly. Invaders like Mahmud Ghaznavi, Aurangzeb, and other foreign rulers who came to India were looters who repeatedly targeted Somnath Temple because it represented India’s faith, prosperity, and self-respect. They wanted to attack the nation’s pride and identity, which is why the temple was destroyed time and again.

He added that when India gained independence in 1947, the Somnath Temple was lying in ruins due to repeated invasions. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel then resolved to rebuild the temple in its original grandeur, and with public support, the temple was reconstructed.

*The pillar at Somnath pointing toward the South Pole reflects the advanced geographical knowledge of our ancestors: Anil Vij*

Sh. Vij said that among the twelve Jyotirlingas, Somnath holds the foremost place. Situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea, there is no landmass between Somnath and the South Pole. He mentioned that a pillar at the temple points directly toward the South Pole, reflecting the deep geographical and astronomical knowledge possessed by India’s ancestors. He remarked that while the West later claimed the Earth was round, India had long referred to it as “Bhu-Gol” (round Earth).

Earlier, upon arriving at the program, Energy Minister Anil Vij offered prayers at Hathi Khana Temple and sought blessings. He was welcomed by Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomar and SDM Ambala Cantonment Kanika Goyal. Officials informed that “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” is being celebrated as a year-long national commemorative event from January 11, 2026, to January 11, 2027.

During the occasion, Sh. Vij honored Mahant Saint Mohandas Ji with a shawl and sought his blessings. Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomar also presented a memento and shawl to welcome the chief guest. Sh. Vij announced a grant of Rs. 21,000 each from his discretionary fund to every school that presented cultural performances during the event.

*Kalash Yatra and exhibition organized*

A Kalash Yatra was also organized in the premises of Hathi Khana Temple as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations. Additionally, the Information, Public Relations and Languages Department organized an exhibition based on Somnath Temple, which Sh, Vij visited and appreciated.

Several dignitaries, including Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomar, SDM Kanika Goyal, Municipal Council Vice-Chairman Lalta Prasad, BJP leaders Pravesh Sharma, Ravi Budhiraja, Harsh Bindra, Vikas Bahgal, Ajay Baveja, Bijendra Chauhan, Rajeev Gupta, Sanjeev Walia, Shaili Khanna, Narendra Rana, Aarti Sehgal, Mahesh Goyal, Madan Lal Sharma, Shyam Sundar Arora, Anil Nagar, and others were present on the occasion.