NEW DELHI: On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted that foreign invaders aimed to dismantle India’s intellectual and Sanatan heritage alongside its wealth, referencing Mahmud Ghaznavi’s attack on the Somnath temple as a key example. He stated, “When Mahmud Ghaznavi attempted to destroy the Somnath temple, the priests implored him not to harm the temple or the idol and offered him any amount of gold and jewels he desired,” as reported by PTI.
Addressing a seminar on Indian knowledge tradition at Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur, he remarked, “Ghaznavi declared, ‘I have not come merely to plunder. I will take whatever I find, but my true aim is to obliterate India’s Sanatan tradition.’”
The Chief Minister emphasized that the destruction of temples and centers of learning was part of a “larger agenda” aimed at undermining India’s intellectual legacy, claiming that the goal was “not just to seize India’s riches but also to fully capture and obliterate its intellect.” He noted that India was once revered as “Vishwaguru” because of its rich knowledge heritage, rather than its natural resources or material wealth.
“India boasts the finest climate, the most fertile lands, and abundant water resources. But what defined India’s identity in the ancient world? We were recognized as Vishwaguru due to our tradition of knowledge. We had a monopoly on this invaluable heritage,” Yogi Adityanath stated.
He further compared India’s ancient educational institutions with those of today’s developed nations, stating that their histories of prosperity and material success are only “400-500 years old,” while India hosted institutions like Takshashila around 2,600 years ago and Nalanda approximately 1,700-1,800 years ago. He highlighted Kashi, Ujjain, and Kanchi as key centers of learning.
Moreover, he discussed the Kumbh tradition, asserting that it is not solely about ritual bathing at the confluence but also serves as a platform for saints and scholars to meet, discuss research, and share ideas. He asserted that India’s tradition of knowledge has endured through centuries of foreign dominance. “Who in India connects our festivals and religious customs to the English calendar? Our auspicious events follow the Indian calendar and dates,” he concluded.
