VADNAGAR: In Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s hometown Vadnagar, about 100 km north of Ahmedabad, Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated an archaeological experiential museum showcasing 2,500-year-old history of the ancient town hallmarked by continuous habitation.
A centre for inspiration for young minds – Prerna Centre – was also inaugurated. Built adjacent to the century-old Vernacular School where Modi studied, it is envisioned as a centre to inspire new generation of students in leadership.
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A sub-district level sports complex was inaugurated too. The museum, built at a cost of Rs 300 crore, is the only one in India which exhibits fresh excavations. On completion, visitors will be able to observe trenches showcasing centuries of cultural sequences, said officials. It will be thrown open to visitors from Feb, state museum department officials said.
“The museum, envisioned by Modi, has not only placed Vadnagar but also the culture of Gujarat and the entire country on the world map. Vadnagar is one of the oldest cities of India and we have evidence of about 2,500 years. The museum builders have brought this journey alive,” Shah said during his speech.
“It not only showcases the antiquity of Vadnagar, but also highlights its culture, trade, urban planning, education, and governance during various periods of its history,” he added. Shah lauded PM Modi as “son of soil” and said that in the future, Vadnagar – along with the ancient Hatkeshwar Mahadev temple and legendary music-exponent sisters Tana-Riri – will be remembered as Modi’s birthplace.
Shah recalled that when Modi, during his early political career, spoke of India’s cultural revival and cultural nationalism, he and BJP workers would wonder how that could be a reality.
