• Source:JND
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Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday took to LinkedIn to announce a new government initiative, the National Maritime Heritage Complex, which was green-flagged by his cabinet, last week. In a post, titled 'Let's Focus on Tourism', PM Modi shared the idea behind honouring India's maritime heritage at Lothal, the world's oldest dockyard near Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

In his post on the social media platform for professionals, PM Modi expressed happiness over the Cabinet's decision to approve the construction of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal and also apprised why it was such an important decision.

"Situated near Ahmedabad, Lothal, the world's oldest dockyard, was once a vibrant melting pot of civilizations, ideas, and, of course, goods. Excavations have pointed to Lothal’s role as an important maritime centre. The docks, built thousands of years ago, highlight the spirit of ingenuity our ancestors possessed. Its advanced engineering and urban planning leave modern observers in awe, offering a window into the brilliance of our past," PM Modi wrote.

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PM Modi also touched upon how after the independence these locations with such remarkable historical value were left to ruin.

"Regrettably, in the decades following independence, we allowed many aspects of our history—and many of our historical sites—to fall into neglect, with our rich past fading from memory. However, the last ten years have seen a change in this trend," he added.

Announcing the building of a vibrant heritage complex at the site of the Lothal dockyard, PM Modi emphasised that it will improve our understanding of civilizational history.

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"This new project will surely ignite enthusiasm among history buffs and tourists alike. The complex will bring ancient Lothal back to life as a mini-replica of the dock city. At the heart of this complex will stand an iconic lighthouse museum, soaring 77 meters high—set to be among the world's tallest of its kind. Various immersive galleries will make the experience even better," PM Modi said.

What is Lothal's Harappa Connection

Lothal, a significant port city of the Harappan civilization, was a centre for trade and maritime activities around 2400 BCE. Located in present-day Gujarat, it connected the Indus Valley to distant regions, facilitating the exchange of goods like beads, gems, and metals. Its dockyard is a remarkable engineering feat.