Vadnagar Residents Hopeful for Gains from New Archaeological Museum and Sports Facility

Vadnagar, Jan 16 (NationPress) In a remarkable advancement for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthplace, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Archaeological Experiential Museum, Prerna Sankul, and a sports complex on Thursday, receiving enthusiastic acclaim from the local populace. The museum, in particular, is being celebrated not only as a symbol of Gujarat but also as a national treasure that safeguards Vadnagar’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Amit Shah shared a video on Thursday, stating, "The antiquity of Vadnagar is today meeting modernity under the leadership of Modi. The newly inaugurated #AnanthAnaadihVadnagar Archaeological Experiential Museum with live excavation sites will connect the new generation to its roots even more profoundly."

Local residents expressed their joy over the significant developments in Vadnagar. Uttam Bhai Patel, a local, remarked to IANS, "The school where Prime Minister Modi was educated has now transformed into an inspirational institution. He attended here from grades 1 to 5, and we are immensely proud that he hails from our village. Vadnagar’s transformation is extraordinary, filling us with pride."

Another local, Mayur Bhai Patel, emphasized the museum’s role in chronicling Vadnagar’s illustrious past. "Vadnagar has faced destruction and rebuilding numerous times, and the museum is now preserving this history. The Prime Minister has ushered in tremendous progress for Vadnagar, and its history will now gain recognition globally," he stated.

Residents voiced their immense pride in the fact that Vadnagar, once struggling for identity, has now secured its rightful place in history.

"Today, Vadnagar is acknowledged worldwide, and its rich heritage is encapsulated in the museum. It no longer seeks an identity—it is already a historic city that has undergone seven reconstructions," a local resident added.

Sheetal Ben Modi, a community member, referred to the museum as a groundbreaking achievement for both Gujarat and the nation.

"The museum established here stands as the pride of Gujarat and the entire country. It is set to attract tourists and elevate Vadnagar's prominence on the global stage," she expressed.

Chandrakant, another local, recognized Vadnagar's advancements, especially considering its historically underdeveloped status.

"Vadnagar has always been an ancient and less developed region. However, today it has witnessed significant growth, particularly in the religious and tourism sectors. With the museum and sports complex, the village will reap enormous benefits. We take pride in the fact that PM Modi is from our village, and the inauguration of these projects further uplifts us," he noted.

The Archaeological Experiential Museum, constructed at a cost of Rs 298 crore, spans 12,500 square meters and showcases over 5,000 artifacts, including ancient tools, sculptures, coins, and organic materials. This unique museum offers an immersive experience with live excavation sites and highlights Vadnagar’s continuous human habitation for over 2,500 years.

Alongside the museum, Amit Shah inaugurated the Prerna Sankul, a Rs 72-crore initiative that revitalizes the historic primary school where Prime Minister Modi studied. The upgraded school aims to blend heritage with modern education, providing value-based learning through advanced technology. The initiative aspires to motivate students nationwide, having already hosted 36 study tours with 720 students and 360 teachers visiting the school.

Amit Shah also opened a Rs 33.50-crore sports complex aimed at fostering athlete development in the region. The complex includes an 8-lane synthetic athletic track, an astroturf football field, and facilities for kabaddi, kho-kho, and volleyball. A hostel for 100 boys and 100 girls is currently under construction to support resident athletes.

During his three-day visit to Gujarat, Amit Shah also oversaw the heritage complex development scheme, urban road beautification initiatives, and the unveiling of a film chronicling Prime Minister Modi’s remarkable life journey.