- Rashtriya Ekta Diwas honours Sardar Patel’s invaluable contributions towards unifying the nation, May this day strengthen the bonds of unity in our society: PM
- India is deeply motivated by his vision and unwavering commitment to our nation, His efforts continue to inspire us to work towards a stronger nation: PM
- The image of the historic Raigad Fort of Maharashtra is also visible in Ekta Nagar of Kevadia, which has been the sacred land of the values of social justice, patriotism and nation first: PM
- In the last 10 years, the new model of good governance in the country has removed every scope for discrimination: PM
- Today, we have before us an India which has vision, direction and determination: PM
- We have to be very cautious of some people, troubled by India’s growing strength and sense of unity, wanting to break the country and divide the society: PM
NE NEWS SERVICE
KEVADIA, GUJARAT, OCT 31
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) celebrations in Gujarat’s Kevadia on Thursday, honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with floral tributes and administering the Ekta Diwas pledge.
The Prime Minister said, “Sardar sahab’s powerful words…this program near the Statue of Unity…this panoramic view of Ekta Nagar…the wonderful performances held here…this glimpse of mini India…everything is so amazing…it is inspiring.” Extending greetings to all the countrymen on National Unity Day, the Prime Minister said that just like 15 August and 26 January, this event on 31 October fills the entire country with new energy.
On the occasion of Diwali the Prime Minister conveyed his wishes to all the Indians living in the country and the world. He noted, this time the National Unity Day has brought a wonderful coincidence of celebrating this festival of unity along with the festival of Deepawali. “Deepawali, through the medium of lamps, connects the whole country, illuminates the whole country. And now the festival of Deepawali is also connecting India with the world”, he added.
The Prime Minister underlined that this year’s Ekta Diwas is more special as Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary year is starting from today. For the next 2 years, the country will celebrate Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary. This is the country’s tribute to his extraordinary contribution to India. The Prime Minister emphasised that this celebration of two years will strengthen our resolve for one India, great India. This occasion will teach us that even the seemingly impossible can be made possible, he added.
Shri Modi underscored how Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj united everyone to drive away the invaders. Raigad Fort of Maharashtra still tells that story. Raigad Fort has been the sacred land of the values of social justice, patriotism and nation first, he added. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had united the different ideas of the nation for one purpose in the Raigad Fort. Today here in Ekta Nagar, we are seeing the image of that historic fort of Raigad…. Today, in this background, we have united here for the accomplishment of the resolution of a developed India”, the Prime Minister said.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day is celebrated on October 31 every year to commemorate Patel’s birth anniversary. Born in Nadiad, Gujarat, in 1875, Patel was a key figure in India’s fight for independence. As independent India’s first home minister, the “Iron Man of India” unified over 565 princely states into the Indian Union.
An Indian Air Force flypast paid a floral tribute to Patel at the Statue of Unity. Modi then observed the Ekta Diwas Parade, which had 16 marching contingents from nine states, one Union Territory police, four central armed police forces, National Cadet Corps, and a marching band.
The NSG Hell March contingent, a daredevil show by BSF and CRPF male and female bikers, stole the show. There was also an Indian martial arts demonstration by the BSF, the IAF’s ‘Surya Kiran’ flypast, and a piped band performance by schoolchildren, among other events.
PM Modi’s two-day Gujarat visit
Modi on Wednesday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects as well as new tourist attractions worth Rs 284 crore. Later in the day, he addressed Officer Trainees from 16 civil services of India and three civil services of Bhutan who were part of the 99th Common Foundation Course, at the Statue of Unity.
The new projects included a sub-district hospital, smart bus stops, a 4 MW solar project, and two ICU-on-wheels.
Modi also inaugurated a new 50-bed sub-district hospital built at a cost of Rs 22 crore.
Other facilities inaugurated included 10 smart bus stops and as many pick-up stands for tourists at Ekta Nagar, push-button pedestrian crossings, car charging points, and a running track for State Reserve Police Force personnel.
