R ARIVANANTHAM
AHMEDABAD/NEW DELHI, OCT 31
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to India’s first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat on Tuesday to mark the 148th birth anniversary of the leader. The day is being celebrated as ‘National Unity Day’ since 2014.
Addressing the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. May this day further the spirit of unity and brotherhood in our society. https://t.co/e3XBxzjEt1
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2023
Earlier in the day, Modi also paid tributes to the leader. “On the Jayanti of Sardar Patel, we remember his indomitable spirit, visionary statesmanship and the extraordinary dedication with which he shaped the destiny of our nation. His commitment to national integration continues to guide us. We are forever indebted to his service,” PM Modi wrote on X.
On the Jayanti of Sardar Patel, we remember his indomitable spirit, visionary statesmanship and the extraordinary dedication with which he shaped the destiny of our nation. His commitment to national integration continues to guide us. We are forever indebted to his service.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2023
- Patel’s birth anniversary is being celebrated as ‘National Unity Day’ since 2014
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- Today, the entire world acknowledges the unwavering determination of India, the courage and resilience of its people: Modi
- The biggest obstacle in the way of national unity, in our development journey, is the politics of appeasement: PM
- We must persistently work towards upholding our nation’s unity to realize the aspiration of a prosperous India: Modi
The Prime Minister also attended the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) parade, comprising marching contingents from the Border Security Force and the state police force. Modi also witnessed the daredevil stunts performed by the CRPF all-women brigade at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrates the strength of the unity of India’s youth and its warriors. “In a way, I can witness the form of mini India ”, the Prime Minister emphasized. He underlined that even though the languages, states and traditions are different, every person in the country is weaved in the strong thread of unity.
“The beads are plenty, but the garland is one. Even though we are diverse, we are united”, he said. Just like the 15th of August and the 26th of January are recognised as Independence and Republic days, the Prime Minister emphasized that the 31st of October has become a festival of unity throughout the nation.
He highlighted that the celebrations of Independence Day at the Red Fort, the Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path and the celebrations of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas by the Statue of Unity on the banks of Maa Narmada have become a trinity of national upsurge.
Speaking about today’s program, the Prime Minister stated that those who visit Ekta Nagar not only witness the Statue of Unity but also get a glimpse of Sardar Saheb’s life and contribution towards the national integration of India.
“The Statue of Unity represents the ideals of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, Modi remarked. He noted the contributions of the citizens in the construction of the statue and gave examples of farmers who donated their tools. He also mentioned the amalgamation of soil from different parts of India for the construction of the Wall of Unity. The Prime Minister informed that crores of citizens are connected with the celebrations of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas by taking part in the ‘Run for Unity’ and other cultural programs all over the country. “The ideals of Sardar Saheb form the core of 140 crore citizens who get together to celebrate the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, the Prime Minister said as he paid homage to Sardar Patel and congratulated the citizens for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the next 25 years are the most important 25 years of this century for the nation as India is to turn into a prosperous and developed country during this period. He called for the same spirit of dedication for the country that was witnessed in the 25 years just before the Independence. He noted the growing profile of India in the world. “We feel proud as we are taking the stature of the biggest democracy to a new height”, he said. He mentioned India’s robust position in security, economy, science, indigenous defence production, and global corporate leadership being provided by Indians in key global companies and sports.
Referring to the pledge of moving forward and abandoning the mentality of slavery, PM Modi said that India is growing as well as preserving its heritage.” He mentioned the removal of colonial insignia from the Navy Flag, weeding out unnecessary laws from colonial times, IPC being replaced and the Netaji statue adorning India Gate replacing colonial representatives.
PM Modi said, “Today, there is no objective beyond India’s reach.” Highlighting the power of Sabka Prayas, he mentioned the abrogation of Article 370 and said that today the wall of Article 370 that was standing between Kashmir and the rest of the country has been demolished and this must have pleased Sardar Sahab, wherever he is.
The Prime Minister said, “Today, the entire world acknowledges the unwavering determination of India and the courage and resilience of its people.” While the world is taking inspiration from that, he cautioned against some trends. Throwing light upon the geopolitical instability in the world of today, the Prime Minister highlighted the crumbling economies of multiple nations after the Covid pandemic where inflation and unemployment are at their peaks in the last 30-40 years. Under such circumstances, the Prime Minister emphasized that India is continuously moving forward while creating new records and measures. The Prime Minister said that the positive impact of the policies and decisions taken by the government in the last 9 years can be witnessed today. He informed that more than 13.5 crore Indians have come out of poverty in the last 5 years alone. Urging the citizens to maintain stability in the country, the Prime Minister said that the efforts of 140 crore citizens that have brought India on the path of development should not go to waste. “We must keep an eye on the future and continue our resolve to accomplish national goals”, he added.
Shri Modi pointed out that the largest hurdle in the development journey of India is the politics of appeasement and it has been witnessed for the last several decades that those indulging in appeasement politics also turn a blind eye towards terrorism and stand with the enemies of humanity. He warned against such thinking which endangers the unity of the country.
In reference to the ongoing and upcoming elections, the Prime Minister cautioned against the faction which is totally devoid of positive politics and indulging in anti-social and anti-national activities. “We have to always continue our efforts to maintain the unity of the country to achieve the goal of a developed India. Whatever field we are in, we have to give our 100 percent in it. This is the only way to give a better future to the coming generations”, Modi added.
Modi also informed about a national competition on Sardar Patel on MyGov.
Join the "Khadi Mahotsav Slogan Contest" on #MyGov and be a voice for promoting the timeless tradition of khadi as a fabric. Let your creativity shine and spread awareness among fellow citizens.
Visit: https://t.co/2g8NL5TfAy#KhadiMahotsav#VocalForLocal @minmsme @kvicindia… pic.twitter.com/IzxJjx4CKv
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) October 31, 2023
