On the occasion of National Unity Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large gathering in Kevadia, Gujarat on Thursday.
He highlighted the importance of unity and collective achievements over the past decade.
The celebration honored Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose legacy of uniting India reflects the nation’s ongoing efforts towards cohesive governance and societal harmony.
In his speech during the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas program, PM Modi stated, “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 and so inspiring. Just like August 15 and January 26, this event on October 31 fills the whole country with new energy. I wish all the countrymen a very happy National Unity Day.”
‘Working towards One Nation, One Election To Strengthen India’s Democracy’
The Prime Minister underscored his administration’s commitment to initiatives aimed at fostering national unity, including the ambitious goal of implementing ‘One Nation, One Election’.
“We are now working towards One Nation One Election, which will strengthen India’s democracy, give 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 One Civil Code that is a Secular Civil Code,” PM Modi asserted.
The Prime Minister added, “The last 10 years have been full of unprecedented achievements for the unity and integrity of India. Today, commitment to national unity is visible in every work and every mission of the government. As true Indians, we must 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.”
‘Today Marks Sardar Patel’s 150th Birth Anniversary Year’
As the nation prepares to celebrate Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary over the next two years, PM Modi emphasized that this milestone would reflect in all government endeavors.
“Today marks the beginning of Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary year, and the country will celebrate this milestone for the next two years. This is a tribute to his extraordinary contributions to India. This period will be filled with honoring his remarkable achievements, and national unity will be reflected in every initiative and mission of the government. When India gained independence, some people in the world estimated 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,” the PM added.
‘Burial Of Article 370 Marks My Biggest Tribute To Sardar Patel’
In a poignant moment, the Prime Minister articulated that fulfilling the vision of a unified nation and constitution stands as his greatest tribute to Sardar Patel.
PM Modi further stated, “Today, the whole country celebrates the fulfillment of the resolution for one country and one constitution after seven decades of independence. This is my biggest tribute to Sardar Saheb. For 70 years, the entire country did not implement Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s Constitution. Those who chant the name of the Constitution had insulted it so much. The reason was the wall of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 has been buried forever. For the first time, this assembly election allowed voting without discrimination. 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 Honors Sardar Patel On National Unity Day With Unity Oath & Spectacular Parade
Earlier in the day, PM Modi paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, honoring his contributions to India’s unity on 31 October, also known as National Unity Day each year.
Following the tribute, he led the Unity Oath and attended the Unity Day Parade, which showcased an impressive display of national pride featuring 16 marching contingents from various states and Union Territories, along with performances from Central Armed Police Forces and schoolchildren.
The parade however was a colorful spectacle, highlighted by a thrilling ‘Hell March’ from the National Security Guard (NSG), daring displays by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), martial arts performances, and a dramatic flypast by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran team.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, born on 31 October 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, played a crucial role in uniting the 562 princely states of pre-independence India.
As the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister from 1947 to 1950, Sardar Patel’s legacy continues to inspire citizens, reminding them of the strength found in unity.
Since 2014, communities across the country have celebrated National Unity Day with Run for Unity events, drawing participation from people of all backgrounds.
Also Read: Prime Minister Modi Commemorates Sardar Patel’s Legacy On National Unity Day
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