Gandhinagar, Jan. 8 -- Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his role in promoting India's cultural heritage, saying that the PM has advanced development while preserving the nation's traditions.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Somnath on January 11 to participate in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations.

"Somnath temple was attacked a thousand years ago. The temple is our symbol of faith. PM Modi has moved forward by taking our heritage along with development. We have an opportunity to connect with our culture. Let's connect with everyone and show our pride," Bhupendra Patel told reporters.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi on Thursday said the three-day Somna...