Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to the ‘Iron Man of India’, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 149th birth anniversary at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat’s Kevadia.
Early on Thursday morning, PM Modi arrived at the world’s tallest statue, dedicated to Sardar Patel, near Ekta Nagar in Gujarat’s Narmada district and offered flower petals to pay his respects.
The Prime Minister also witnessed the National Security Guard (NSG) at the ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ parade, organised to honor Sardar Patel’s contributions.
The parade comprised of 16 marching contingents, including those from nine states, one Union Territory police, four Central Armed Police Forces, NCC, and a band.
PM Modi also administered the unity oath.
In 2014, the Government of India declared Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary to be observed as the National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
On a two-day Gujarat visit, PM Modi on Wednesday inaugurated projects worth Rs 284 crore which include a 50-bed sub-district hospital, 10 smart bus stops, a 4 MW solar project and two walkways with sprinklers at the statue site for the comfort of tourists.
In his address, PM Modi said, “This time the National Unity Day has brought a wonderful coincidence. On one hand, today we are celebrating the festival of unity and on the other hand, it is also the festival of Diwali.”
“Diwali connects the whole country through lamps, illuminates the whole country and now the festival of Diwali is also connecting India with the world. It is being celebrated as a national festival in many countries. I extend many best wishes for Diwali to all the Indians living in the country and the world and the well-wishers of India,” PM Modi said.
“Sardar Patel’s powerful voice, this grand program near the Statue of Unity, this panoramic view of Ekta Nagar and the wonderful performances here, these glimpses of mini India, everything is so amazing, so inspiring. Just like 15th August and 26th January, this event on 31st October fills the whole country with new energy. I wish all the countrymen a very happy National Unity Day,” he further said.
“There were some people in the world who were estimating that India would disintegrate. They had no hope that a united India could be created by uniting hundreds of princely states, but Sardar Sahib did it. This was possible because Sardar Sahib was a realist in his behaviour, truthful in his resolve, humanitarian in his action and nationalist in his aim,” PM Modi said.”
‘UCC will end discrimination’
The Prime Minister further said that his government is now working on One Nation One Election, One Nation One Civil Code, “means we are moving towards secular civil code. Social unity is our inspiration for this.”
Article 370 was like a wall in J&K
PM Modi further said that for the last 70 years Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s Constitution was not implemented in Entire country. “In Jammu and Kashmir, Article 370 was like a wall, which was a hindrance for our Constitution, this article 370 is now buried forever. For the first time J&K CM has taken oath under our Constitution,” he said.
Last 10 years full of unprecedented achievements for unity, integrity of India
The Prime Minister further said that the last 10 years were full of unprecedented achievements for the unity and integrity of India. “Today, commitment to national unity is visible in every work, every mission of the government…As true Indians, it’s our duty to celebrate every effort towards national unity with enthusiasm and energy, strengthening new resolve, hopes, and excitement. This is the true celebration. By promoting India’s languages, we strengthen the bonds of unity. The New Education Policy is a shining example, which the nation has proudly embraced,” he added.
African journalists visit Statue of Unity
On the eve of Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary, a large team of African journalists visited the Statue of Unity.
They were given a tour and were told in detail about Patel’s statue and his contributions.
As one of the senior leaders of Indian National Congress (INC), Sardar Patel played a crucial role in the freedom movement while working closely with Mahatma Gandhi.
After India’s Independence in 1947, Sardar Patel became the first Home Minister of the country in the government led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
His relentless efforts in uniting more than 562 princely states right after Independence laid the foundation for a unified India, bringing together diverse regions, cultures and communities.
With inputs from agencies.
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WATCH | PM Modi pays tribute to Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary at Statue of Unity
