Two mosques, one dargah and two temples have been completely renovated in Vadnagar. In Narendra Modi’s hometown, these places of worship have returned to their original form without any controversy. There was neither friction nor conflict between Hindus and Muslims over this restoration. This new equation reflects the emerging face of New India.
With 80% government support for rebuilding old homes and 3,300 houses powered by solar energy, a ground report from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hometown
By Arvind Chaturvedi
The view around me is striking. This is neither a metropolis nor a scene from the glitzy world of cinema. This is real — and if one were to imagine what a village or small town in Viksit Bharat 2047 might look like, Vadnagar could well be seen as a prototype.
With a population of around 41,000, the town is predominantly Hindu, but Muslims, Jains, Sikhs and people from other communities also live here. In that sense, Vadnagar reflects India’s plural character. Located in Gujarat’s Mehsana district, it is also Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hometown.
Birthday preparations gather pace
Vadnagar is bustling as preparations for a grand celebration of Modi’s birthday are underway. The town is being decorated for the occasion, with a major cultural programme scheduled for the night of September 16 in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
In front of me is Sharmishtha Lake, with the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple nearby. Both are closely associated with Modi’s childhood. A temple stands in the middle of the lake, and locals recall that during his school days, Modi would swim across the lake to reach it.
Conversations in the town revealed that on the afternoon of September 16, BJP workers, leaders and local residents will bring holy water from four locations in Gujarat to the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple. Participants will also receive a ceremonial welcome.
That evening, residents of Vadnagar and neighbouring areas are expected to gather for a cultural programme along with Amit Shah and Bhupendra Patel. Preparations are also underway to illuminate the town with rows of lamps. Vadnagar will witness a combination of traditional rituals, prayers, devotional songs and cultural performances. Saints and religious figures have also begun arriving in the town.
Vision, planning and execution: Vadnagar as a case study
Leaving the lake behind, I make my way through Vadnagar’s lanes and neighbourhoods. Travelling from one end of the town to the other strengthens the impression that Vadnagar represents a process of vision, planning and execution — with local residents brought into the process.
In many ways, it is a model that makes the town an interesting case study.
A rebuilding model: 80% government support, 20% interest-free loan
Across Vadnagar, decades-old homes are being repaired or rebuilt without altering their original design.
Under the scheme, the government bears 80% of the cost, while the remaining 20% is borne by the homeowner. The homeowner can obtain the remaining amount through an interest-free bank loan, with repayment in installments.
Mayankbhai, a local resident, tells me that he recently rebuilt his old house at a cost of ₹20 lakh. The government contributed ₹16 lakh, while he obtained the remaining ₹4 lakh as a loan.
He says he now pays an installment of around ₹2,000 a month.
What did he have to do to access the scheme?
“Nothing difficult,” he says. “I simply went to the municipality and filled out a form. After that, everything was taken care of.”
More than 177 houses have so far been rebuilt under the initiative. The programme has also been used to rebuild or renovate two temples and two mosques.
3,300 homes running on solar power
As I move around Vadnagar, solar panels are visible on the rooftops of many homes.
Local conversations reveal that around 3,300 houses are now powered by solar energy.
That prompted another question: how has the Prime Minister’s flagship housing programme performed in his own hometown?
Under PMAY 1.0 (2018–23), 1,299 houses were sanctioned. Of these, 1,256 have been completed, while work on 40 is underway. Construction on three sanctioned houses has not yet begun.
Under PMAY 2.0 (2024–26), 512 houses were sanctioned. Construction has begun on 208, while work on the remaining 304 has not yet started.
In addition to housing, 6,750 toilets have been constructed in Vadnagar so far.
From Prerna Sthal to the art gallery: a changing identity
After lunch, I head towards the school where Narendra Modi once studied. Today, it is known as Prerna Sthal, where children from across India are introduced to the country’s culture and values. So far, 2,076 children have visited the centre for programmes focused on culture and values.
Further ahead, an art gallery comes into view in the main market. It houses objects and memorabilia associated with Modi.
As evening approaches, other landmarks pass by — the GMERS General Hospital, medical college, Toran Hotel and Tana Riri Garden. Gradually, the once indistinct picture of what Viksit Bharat 2047 might look like begins to take shape.
Then the sound of drums, conch shells and evening prayers breaks my thoughts.
It is Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
I bow my head before Lord Shiva and begin the journey back to my hotel.
