Summary
- PM Modi links Operation Sindoor’s success to India’s modern security strength and national confidence.
- Highlights the military and naval prowess of the Chola dynasty as an inspiration for a self-reliant India.
- Releases a commemorative coin for Rajendra Chola and emphasizes Tamil Nadu’s Shaivite cultural heritage.
India’s Strength Through History and Modern Resolve
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, praised India’s resilience and its decisive military response under Operation Sindoor, calling it a testament to how the nation defends its sovereignty. Drawing a parallel between India’s modern security strategy and the naval power of the Chola dynasty, Modi highlighted that no terrorist hideout is beyond India’s reach. The Prime Minister’s remarks were made in the wake of India’s retaliatory action against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives in Jammu and Kashmir.
Modi’s speech at the historic Brihadisvara Temple celebrated the Chola kings’ engineering genius, naval dominance, and cultural contributions. He performed a symbolic ritual by offering Ganga water, mirroring Rajendra Chola’s historical achievement of bringing the sacred river’s water to Tamil Nadu after his victories in the Gangetic plains.
When the present bows to the past with pride, it breathes life into a timeless legacy.
— Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (@SVishnuReddy) July 27, 2025
At Gangaikonda Cholapuram’s majestic Brihadisvara Temple, PM @narendramodi ji pays homage to the grandeur of the Cholas — a powerful reminder that Bharat’s civilisational spirit is not… pic.twitter.com/QdrVZ5vO0s
Honouring the Chola Dynasty and Tamil Heritage
- Modi launched a commemorative coin in memory of Rajendra Chola, lauding his legacy of cultural and military strength.
- He praised Tamil Shaivite mutts and their enduring contributions to India’s spiritual fabric.
- Announced plans to install statues of Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola in Tamil Nadu.
PM Modi emphasised the importance of Tamil literature, Shaivite traditions, and the contributions of Nayanmar saints in shaping India’s cultural identity. He pointed out that Tamil Nadu remains a cornerstone of spiritual and historical continuity, thanks to the Chola emperors’ patronage of art, religion, and infrastructure. The presence of 25 Shaivite mutt heads during the event highlighted the state’s deep-rooted spiritual legacy and BJP’s ongoing cultural outreach in Tamil Nadu.
Operation Sindoor and National Confidence
- Modi said Operation Sindoor sent a clear message about India’s robust military response to threats.
- The operation has instilled a renewed sense of national pride and global recognition of India’s strength.
- The Prime Minister connected modern defence priorities with lessons from India’s historical empires.
Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist networks following the Pahalgam attack, was presented by Modi as a turning point in India’s strategic posture. He argued that India’s modern security apparatus, like the Chola navy of ancient times, must remain proactive and unyielding in safeguarding national interests. This connection between history and current policy reinforces Modi’s broader narrative of combining cultural pride with national strength.
Preserving Heritage and Looking Ahead
- Modi celebrated the repatriation of 600 stolen artefacts since 2014, 36 of which belong to Tamil Nadu.
- Emphasized the Cholas’ legacy as a guide for future naval and defence advancements.
- Reinforced his emotional connection to the Ganga as Varanasi’s elected representative.
By acknowledging India’s successful heritage restoration efforts, Modi positioned his government as a guardian of both history and modern security. His symbolic offering of Ganga water underscored a cultural and spiritual bridge between North and South India.
A Legacy of Strength and Cultural Unity
PM Modi’s visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram combined cultural reverence with a strong political message on national security. By invoking the Chola dynasty’s glory and linking it to India’s present-day military resolve, Modi reinforced his vision of a self-confident, secure, and culturally proud India. This event not only celebrated Tamil Nadu’s historical legacy but also framed Operation Sindoor as a modern-day extension of India’s age-old ethos of protecting sovereignty while honouring its heritage.
