PM Modi mourns passing of Morbi Rajmata Vijaykunvarba

Key Takeaways

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the death of Vijaykunvarba , Rajmata of Morbi , on 17 October 2026 .

Modi posted the condolence in Gujarati , describing her personality, service, and connection to Morbi's people as 'always memorable.' He prayed for peace for the departed soul and for strength for her family and admirers.

Morbi is a city and former princely state in Saurashtra, Gujarat , known for its civic and cultural heritage.

Modi regularly issues condolence tributes in Gujarati for notable figures from his home state, reflecting sustained regional engagement.

A quiet grief settled over Gujarat on Saturday, 17 October 2026, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Vijaykunvarba, the Rajmata of Morbi — a woman whose life was woven into the identity of the former princely state in western Gujarat.

Writing in Gujarati, Prime Minister Modi said he was 'extremely saddened' — અત્યંત દુઃખ થયું — by the news of her death. He remembered her 'personality, spirit of service, and her bond with the people of Morbi' as things that 'will always be cherished in memory.' He prayed that the Almighty grant peace to the departed soul and give her family and admirers the strength to bear the loss.

Vijaykunvarba's place in Morbi's story

Morbi, a city in Saurashtra, Gujarat, carries a layered history as a former princely state known for its craftsmanship, ceramic industry, and civic legacy. The Rajmata held a symbolic and emotional significance for the region's residents — a living link to that royal heritage and to the tradition of public service associated with it. Her bond with ordinary Morbi citizens, as the Prime Minister noted, was what set her apart.

Modi's Gujarati tributes — a consistent thread

Prime Minister Modi regularly posts condolence messages in Gujarati for notable figures from his home state, a practice that reflects his sustained engagement with Gujarat's regional communities and former royal families. These tributes typically foreground the deceased's public service and their human connection to local people — a pattern this message follows faithfully. The choice of Gujarati, rather than Hindi or English, signals a deliberately personal register.

Gujarat state officials and members of the Morbi royal family are expected to issue statements in the coming days regarding memorial arrangements. For now, the Prime Minister's words stand as the first high-profile public acknowledgement of a loss that Morbi's residents will feel deeply.

Point of View

The message frames her legacy in civic rather than aristocratic terms. Such outreach to former royal families and their constituencies also reflects the BJP's broader strategy of maintaining goodwill across Gujarat's diverse social and historical communities.

NationPress

18 Oct 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Vijaykunvarba of Morbi?

Vijaykunvarba was the Rajmata — queen mother — of Morbi, a city and former princely state in Saurashtra, Gujarat. She was known for her public service and her close bond with Morbi's residents.

Why did PM Modi post in Gujarati about Vijaykunvarba?

Prime Minister Modi regularly issues condolence messages in Gujarati for notable figures from Gujarat, his home state. The use of Gujarati signals a personal and regional connection to the community affected by the loss.

What did PM Modi say about Vijaykunvarba?

Modi said he was 'extremely saddened' by the news, and that her personality, spirit of service, and bond with Morbi's people would always be remembered. He prayed for peace for her soul and strength for her family.

What is Morbi known for?

Morbi is a city in Saurashtra, Gujarat, historically known as a former princely state. Today it is widely recognised for its ceramic and tile manufacturing industry, as well as its civic heritage.

When did PM Modi post the condolence for Morbi Rajmata?

Prime Minister Modi posted the condolence message on Saturday, 17 October 2026 , on the social media platform X.