PM Modi Pays Tributes to Sardar Patel at Statue of Unity, Vows to Inspire Future Generations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat's Kevadia on Thursday and participated in the Ekta Diwas celebrations.

While paying tributes to Sardar Patel, PM Modi in a post on X said protecting the unity and sovereignty of the nation was his top priority.

"My tributes to Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. The safety of the unity and sovereignty of the nation was always at the top of his life's priority list. His personality and work will continue to inspire every generation of the country," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister at Kevadia ground inspected the parade of Armed Forces personnel and saw performances by state police forces, which included dance by 300 woman cops of Gujarat Police.
He administered the Ekta Diwas pledge to forces' personnel and all others who were attending the function following which he witnessed the Ekta Diwas Parade.

It comprised 16 marching contingents from nine states and one union territory police, four central armed police forces, National Cadet Corps, and a marching band.

Special attractions included a 'Hell March contingent' of the NSG, a daredevil show by BSF and CRPF women and men bikers, and a show on a combination of Indian Martial Arts by BSF.
A piped band show by school children was also presented.

The main attraction of the events was the 'Surya Kiran' flypast by the Indian Air Force, among other events.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is celebrated on 31 October every year. October 31 is the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He was born in Nadiad, Gujarat, in the year 1875, and Sardar was instrumental in India's path to achieving Independence as well as uniting India under one banner. He is remembered as the 'Iron Man of India' and Sardar Patel for his excellent leadership and untiring efforts towards national integration. The Ekta Diwas or the National Unity Day reminds one of his efforts in uniting the princely states into one nation.

PM Modi will celebrate the festival of Diwali in his home state where he is on a two-day visit.

Unprecedented Achievements for India's Unity and Integrity in the Last 10 Years, PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the last 10 years have been full of unprecedented achievements for the unity and integrity of India, adding that commitment to national unity is visible in every work and every mission of the government.

PM Modi said this while speaking at the Kevadia parade ground in Gujarat's Ekta Nagar after paying rich tributes to Sardar Patel at the Statue of Unity and witnessing an impressive parade by the Armed Forces personnel.

"…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 resolves, hopes, and excitement. This is the true celebration…\" PM Modi said.
He said that the nation is witnessing the success of One Nation Identity, Aadhaar, and the world is also discussing it.

"Earlier, there were different tax systems in India, but we created the One Nation One Tax System, GST. We strengthened the country's power sector with One Nation One Power Grid. We integrated the facilities available to the poor through the One Nation One Ration Card. We have provided the facility of One Nation One Health Insurance to the people of the country in the form of Aayushman Bharat.". Under these efforts of ours for unity, we are now working towards a One Nation One Election, which will strengthen India's democracy… said the PM.

He further said that this will give the optimum outcome of India's resources and the country will gain new momentum in achieving the dream of a developed India. "Today, India is moving towards One Nation Civil Code that is a Secular Civil Code…," he said.

"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," said PM Modi.
The whole country is happy today that, after seven decades of independence, the resolution of one country and one constitution has been fulfilled, said the Prime Minister. "This is my biggest tribute to Sardar Saheb," added the PM.

In every state of the country for 70 years, there was no implementation of the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Constitution. Those people who chant the name of the Constitution have insulted it… The reason behind that was the wall of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. "Article 370 has been buried forever," said PM.

The PM said the patriotism has been in full force in the Union territory by praising the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their overwhelming participation in the recently held Assembly election.

"For the first time, voting was done without discrimination in this Assembly election. For the first time, the Chief Minister of that place has taken oath on the Constitution of India. This scene must have given immense satisfaction to the makers of the Indian Constitution; their souls must have found peace, and this is our humble tribute to the makers of the Constitution."

PM Modi said, "…Just as the 15th of August and the 26th of January, that event on 31 October fills the entire country with new energy. I wish all the countrymen very happy National Unity Day."

"National Unity Day has for the first time brought together a wonderful coincidence,". Today we are celebrating the festival of unity and at the same time it is also the festival of Deepawali. Deepawali connects the whole country through lamps, illuminates the whole country and now the festival of Deepawali is also connecting India with the world. It is being celebrated as a national festival in many countries. I extend many best wishes of Deepawali to all the Indians living in the country and the world and the well-wishers of India," said the Prime Minister.