The journey of Modi, from being an ordinary boy born in Vadnagar to becoming a global leader, will become a subject of study for students across the country and the world in the future
Today, the world is following Modi’s footsteps, he transformed the poverty he faced into compassion and worked towards the welfare of the poor
The ‘Archaeological Experiential Museum’ is the only museum in the world where history and excavation come together
This museum, while bringing to life the 2,500-year-old culture of Vadnagar, also showcases to the world the contributions in culture, trade, education, and governance prevalent in different periods of history
NEW DELHI, JANUARY 16, 2025: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, on Thursday inaugurated the Archaeological Experiential Museum, Prerna Complex, and Sports Complex in Vadnagar, Gujarat. Mr Amit Shah also presided over the Heritage Complex Development Plan, Urban Road Development, and Beautification Program in Vadnagar. On this occasion, a film on the journey of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was also released. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
In his address, the Union Home Minister said today the entire world is following the footsteps of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and this programme is also taking place at Modi’s birthplace. He said that today’s programme is significant in many ways as it will prominently place Vadnagar on the map of the country and the world. He further stated that Vadnagar is one of the oldest cities in the world, which, due to its continuity and vibrancy, has influenced the culture and traditions of every era. He said that Vadnagar’s journey spans thousands of years and evidences suggest that it is over 2,500 years old.
Mr Shah said that people must visit this Archaeological Experiential Museum and Excavation Complex because there is no other museum in the world where history and excavation coexist in such a unique manner. Shri Shah stated that this museum, built at a cost of approximately ₹300 crore as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has not only placed Vadnagar but also the culture of Gujarat and the entire country on the world map. He said that the museum builders have brought alive more than 2500 years old journey of Vadnagar in the museum building and the excavation site. Shri Shah added that this museum not only showcases the antiquity of Vadnagar but also highlights the contributions of its culture, trade, urban planning, education, and governance during various periods of its history.
The Union Home Minister said that today the Prerna Complex has also been formally inaugurated, and the school where Prime Minister Modi got primary education, is now welcoming children from across the country to learn and walk on the path shown by him. He stated that this Prerna Sankul will, in the future, contribute to the creation of many such great individuals. Shri Shah also mentioned the inauguration of the sports complex today. He added that Prime Minister Modi has set a goal for the 2036 Olympics to be held in Ahmedabad, and by then, the children of Vadnagar will be ready to participate in those games.
Shri Amit Shah said that the culture and history of Vadnagar are very ancient, and here, eternal ascetics have engaged in various forms of penance, meditation, and the pursuit of knowledge. He mentioned that Jain ascetics created numerous Jain Agamas-Nigamas and practiced austerities here. He also stated that it is believed that the first public reading of the Jain scripture Kalpasutra, which was traditionally read only by ascetics, took place here. He added that this place was also a Buddhist monastery, and many Buddhist monks came here to quench their thirst for knowledge. He emphasized that this place has been a center for the worship of three great religions, and the entire journey of Vadnagar, from Skanda Purana to Chamatkarpur, Anartpur, Anandpur, and Vadnagar, is depicted in this museum with illustrations.
The Union Home Minister further shared that when Mr Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the state’s dropout ratio was 37 per cent, but by the time he became the Prime Minister of the country, the dropout ratio was hardly one per cent.
