Celebrating Heritage: A Seminar on 'Jai Somnath' in New Delhi
A recent seminar in New Delhi focused on Kanhaiyalal Munshi's book 'Jai Somnath', highlighting its significance in Indian heritage. Esteemed authors discussed themes of patriotism and cultural identity, emphasizing the historical context of the Somnath temple's destruction and reconstruction. The event marked the upcoming 1000th anniversary of the temple's invasion, celebrated as 'Somnath Swabhimaan Parv' by the Indian government. This gathering showcased the enduring spirit of Indian civilization and the importance of recognizing our cultural roots.
Apr 28, 2026, 11:32 IST
A Gathering to Discuss 'Jai Somnath'
A seminar was held on Monday at the Pravasi Bhawan in New Delhi, organized by the All India Literary Council, focusing on the book 'Jai Somnath' by Kanhaiyalal Maniklal Munshi.
During the event, esteemed author Surendra Arora expressed that 'Jai Somnath' is a significant part of our heritage. He described the book as a narrative of self-respect and an unwavering spirit of victory, urging everyone to read it. He emphasized the importance of recognizing our true adversaries, stating that the only response to war is war itself.
Renowned writer Kumar Subodh remarked that the novel narrates the destruction of the Somnath temple during Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion and its glorious reconstruction. Well-known author Sarika Kalra highlighted how characters like Chola Devi and Bhimdev beautifully depict themes of love, sacrifice, and patriotism within the book. Writer Priya Varun Kumar noted that Munshi vividly portrays the brutal invasion by Mahmud Ghazni in 1026, blending history with imagination in a unique manner. Journalist Rajiv Kumar stated that this work symbolizes the resurgence of Indian cultural identity.
Research scholar Ankit Dubey from Delhi University, who moderated the seminar, mentioned that Kanhaiyalal Maniklal Munshi crafted a historical novel with 'Jai Somnath'. The year 2026 marks the 1000th anniversary of Mahmud Ghazni's attack on the Somnath temple, representing a millennium of India's unbroken cultural tradition. The Indian government is celebrating this occasion as 'Somnath Swabhimaan Parv', which is not merely a festival of reaction but a celebration of the resilience of Indian culture. India has thrived as a living civilization for over 5000 years, and as the saying goes, every stone in India is sacred. Even if it breaks in a thousand places, it will reconnect in a thousand others.
The seminar was attended by Sanjeev Sinha, Secretary of the Central Office of the All India Literary Council, along with authors Chandan Kumar, Rajiv Kumar, Maheshanand, Avantika Yadav, and Vedavrat Sharma.