Namaskar!

All of you are physically present at the historical and world heritage Lothal. Though I am connected with you through technology from far away Delhi, I am feeling as if I am there in the midst of all of you. Just now, I saw various projects at the National Maritime Heritage Complex through a drone and also reviewed their progress. I am satisfied that this project is progressing very fast.

Friends,

I spoke of taking pride in our heritage as part of the ‘Panch Pran’ (five pledges) while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort this year. Our Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai also referred to that just now. Our maritime heritage is one such great legacy handed down by our ancestors. The history of any place or time not only inspires the future generations but also alerts us for the future. There are many such tales of our history, which have been forgotten and no measures were taken to preserve them and pass them on to the next generations. We could have learnt so much from those events of history.

We forgot that we had great heritage like Lothal and Dholavira, which were famous for sea trade even thousands of years ago. There were the Chola Empire, Chera Dynasty and Pandya Dynasty in the south, which recognized the potential of marine resources and gave it an unprecedented height. Not only did they expand their maritime power, they were also successful in taking trade to far-flung countries. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj also formed a strong navy and challenged foreign invaders.

It is such a proud chapter in the history of India which was ignored. Can you imagine that Kutch had the ship building industry thousands of years ago? Large ships made in India were sold all over the world. This indifference towards heritage did a lot of damage to the country. It is necessary to change this situation. Therefore, we decided to turn Dholavira and Lothal, the centers of India's pride, in the same form they were once famous for. And today we can see that mission moving at a rapid pace.

Friends,

Today, I am also reminded of the thousands of years of traditions while talking about Lothal.  Sikotar Mata is worshiped in many areas of Gujarat. She is worshiped as the goddess of the sea. Experts doing research on Lothal believe that Sikotar Mata was worshiped in some form or the other even at that time. It is said that people used to worship Sikotar Devi before venturing into the sea so that she would protect them during their journey. According to historians, Sikotar Mata is related to the island of Socotra, which is today in the Gulf of Aden. This shows that sea trade routes were open far and wide from the Gulf of Khambhat even thousands of years ago.

Friends,

Recently, the temple of Sikotar Mata was unearthed during excavations near Vadnagar. Some evidence has also been found suggesting maritime trade existed here in ancient times. Similarly, evidence of having a lighthouse in Jhinjhuwada village of Surendranagar has been found. You also know that light houses were built to guide ships at night. And the people of the country will be surprised to know that the sea is about 100 kilometers away from Jhinjhuwada village. Several evidence in this village show that it used to have a very busy port several centuries ago. This also tells us about the flourishing maritime trade in this entire region since ancient times.

Friends,

Lothal was not only a major trading center of the Indus Valley Civilization, but it was also a symbol of India's maritime power and prosperity. It still amazes experts the way Lothal was developed as a port city thousands of years ago. The remains of the city, market and port found in the excavations of Lothal give amazing views of urban planning and architecture during that period. The type of system that existed here to deal with natural challenges, there is much to be learned for today's planning as well.

Friends,

In a way, this region was blessed by both Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. Lothal was very prosperous due to its trade relations with many countries. It is said that flags of 84 countries used to be hoisted at the port of Lothal at that time. Similarly, the Valabhi University nearby used to attract students from more than 80 countries of the world. Chinese philosophers who came to this region in the seventh century also wrote that Valabhi University had more than 6,000 students at that time. That is, the region was also graced by Goddess Saraswati.

Friends,

The proposed heritage complex in Lothal is being built in such a way that even common people of India can easily understand its history. An attempt is being made to revive the same era by using very modern technology. The same splendor and power of thousands of years ago is being revived on this land.

I am sure it will become a huge center of attraction for tourists from all over the world. The complex is being developed to welcome thousands of tourists a day. Just as the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar is creating a record of tourists every day, similarly the day is not far when people from every corner of the country will come to see this heritage complex in Lothal. This will create thousands of new employment and self-employment opportunities here. This region will also benefit from the fact that it is not too far from Ahmedabad. In future, more and more people will come here from other cities and will give an impetus to tourism here.

Friends,

I can never forget the difficult days this region has seen. At one time the sea was expanded so much that it was difficult to produce any crop in a very large area. People have seen those days about 20-25 years ago that no one used to give them loan even against hundreds of acres of land during the crisis. The lender also used to say that what he would do with the land which was not useful. We have brought out Lothal and this entire region today from that period.

And friends,

Our focus is not just limited to heritage complexes to bring back Lothal and the region to its past glory. Today so much work of modern infrastructure is taking place in the coastal areas of Gujarat and various industries are being established in the coastal areas. Lakhs of crores of rupees are being spent on these projects.

Very soon, the semiconductor plant will also add to the pride here. Our government is working with full force to make this region developed again as it was thousands of years ago. Lothal, which fills us with pride because of its history, will now shape the future of the generations to come.

Friends,

A museum is not just a means of storing and displaying things or documents. When we cherish our heritage, we preserve the feelings attached to it along with it. When we look at the Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums being built across the country, it becomes clear how much our tribal heroes contributed to the freedom struggle of India. When we see the National War Memorial and the National Police Memorial, we realize how our brave sons and daughters lay down their lives to protect the country and keep it safe. When we visit the Prime Minister's Museum, we get to know the power of democracy, the journey of 75 years of our country. The Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Ekta Nagar reminds us of the efforts, tenacity and penance for the unity and integrity of India.

As you must be aware a huge research work is going on. Similar on the lines of Sardar Patel statue in Kevadia, we are also building a museum for the princely states which merged with India for the unity and integrity of the country. Right now, the design and research work are in the process. The research would include the lifestyle of the princely states, their role in the welfare of society and the country. A person visiting Ekta Nagar would get to know everything from the princely states to the journey of Sardar Saheb and how he forged a united India by successfully integrating princely states into India. Construction work of the museum will also start in the near future.

The heritage that we have developed in the country in the last eight years also shows the scope of our heritage. I am sure the National Maritime Museum being built in Lothal will also fill all Indians with pride about the maritime heritage. With the belief that Lothal will emerge with its old splendor, many thanks to all of you! Best wishes to all of you.

I wish all the brothers and sisters who are sitting in Lothal a very happy and prosperous Diwali and a Happy New Year which falls in Gujarat a day after Diwali.  Many thanks to all!

Disclaimer: Some parts of the Prime Minister's speech are also in Gujarati language, which has been translated here.

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DS/LP/VK/AK