Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the legacy of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola are synonymous with India’s identity and pride, and their activities are akin to a sacred endeavour-symbolic of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”.
He was addressing the public at the valedictory function of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival organised by the Ministry of Culture in Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu today.
The Prime Minister noted that India progressed swiftly in all directions through commercial advancement, utilization of maritime routes, and the promotion of art and culture during the Chola Empire which serves as an ancient roadmap for building a new India. Mr Modi further stated that to become a developed nation, India must prioritize unity, strengthen its navy and defense forces, seek new opportunities, and safeguard its core values. He expressed satisfaction that the country is moving forward inspired by this very vision. The Prime Minister said that the economic and strategic advancements achieved during the Chola era remain a source of inspiration for modern India.
Highlighting that the great king Rajendra Chola established the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, which continues to be recognised globally as an architectural wonder, Prime Minister Modi remarked that the celebration of Ganga on the land of Mother Cauveri is also a legacy of the Chola Empire.
Prime Minister Modi pointed out that global discourse today often centres around water management and ecology preservation, emphasising that India’s ancestors understood the importance of these issues long ago. He also cited that while many kings are remembered for acquiring gold, silver, or livestock from other regions, Rajendra Chola is recognised for bringing sacred Ganga water.
The Prime Minister recalled that Rajendra Chola transported Ganga water from North India and established it in the South. He referred to the phrase “Ganga Jalamayam Jayastambham,” explaining that the water was channeled into the Chola Ganga Lake, now known as the Ponneri Lake.
He expressed his delight that, in memory of this historic episode, Ganga water has once again been brought from Kashi to Tamil Nadu, noting that a formal ritual was conducted at the site. As the elected representative from Kashi, the Prime Minister shared his deep emotional connection with Mother Ganga.
The celebrations were held marking the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola -1 and commemorating the 1000th years of his Maritime Expedition in South East Asia and the commencement of construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple.
Prime Minister Modi also released a commemorative coin honouring one of the greatest emperors of India, Rajendra Chola I along with the Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan, among other dignitaries.
Earlier, Mr. Modi was accorded a warm welcome by the people of Tamil Nadu at various road shows in Trichy and Gangaikonda Cholapuram. He had a special darshan at the world-famous Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, where he offered pooja to Lord Shiva.
The Prime Minister was on a two-day visit to the state. He dedicated the new Terminal Building at Thoothukudi Airport, developed at a cost of around 450 crore rupees. He also laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation development projects worth over 4800 crore rupees.