Bhubaneswar, Jan. 11 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reflected on the enduring legacy of the Somnath Temple, noting that after independence, attempts were made to downplay India's rich historical and cultural heritage. Referring to the history of the Somnath Temple, he said the sacrifices of those who defended the shrine were ignored, while invasions driven by religious intolerance were portrayed merely as acts of plunder.

PM Modi argued that textbooks and historical accounts failed to acknowledge the brutality, hatred and terror associated with these attacks, instead downplaying them as loot-driven events, thereby concealing the true suffering endured by devotees and communities over centuries.

"Unfortunately, after independe...