On the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a heartfelt tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the iconic Statue of Unity in Kevadia on Friday. Standing tall as the world’s tallest statue, the monument symbolizes India’s unity and collective strength, reflecting the vision of the ‘Iron Man of India’.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “The Statue of Unity is a monumental tribute to Sardar Patel and his vision for India’s unity and strength. It is not just a statue, but a symbol of national pride and our collective resolve to fulfill Sardar Patel’s dreams.” Highlighting the nation’s spiritual ethos, he added, “Devotion to Maa Bharti is the highest form of worship for every Indian.”
In a pointed address marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel from Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, the Prime Minister also accused the Congress party of being responsible for the Partition of India and blamed it for the challenges plaguing the Kashmir region. He criticized his predecessor, India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, for not fulfilling Patel’s vision of complete national integration.
PM Modi alleged that Congress had historically “furthered the interests of the British” and described the party as “inherited from the British.” He stated, “Sardar Patel wanted the complete integration of Kashmir into India, just as he had successfully done with other princely states. However, Nehru did not allow that vision to be fulfilled. Kashmir was given a separate constitution and flag, dividing it from the rest of the nation.” At the time of India’s independence in 1947, alongside the British-ruled provinces, there were more than 560 princely states ruled by kings and nawabs that were not directly under British control.
The Prime Minister outlined the four pillars that uphold India’s unity: “Cultural unity, linguistic unity, inclusive development, and the connection of hearts through connectivity.” He underlined the importance of safeguarding these pillars to achieve the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
“To achieve this goal, we must thwart every conspiracy that seeks to undermine the unity of our nation,” he warned, stressing the need for vigilance and national solidarity.
Remembering the sacrifices made for the country, PM Modi said, “By honouring those who sacrificed their lives for the nation, we are strengthening the spirit of ‘Nation First’.”He also reflected on India’s journey since independence: “Today, the nation is removing every trace of a colonial mindset.” On the day dedicated to national unity, he added, “Our resolve is to remove every infiltrator living in India.”
Since 2014, the government has taken strong measures against internal threats. “Our government has dealt a decisive and powerful blow to Naxalism and Maoist terrorism,” PM Modi asserted.
He reiterated the legacy of Sardar Patel by saying, “This is Iron Man Sardar Patel’s India. It will never compromise on its security or its self-respect.”
Calling for national unity above all, he appealed, “Every thought or action that weakens the unity of our nation must be shunned by every citizen. This is the need of the hour for our country.”
Praising Patel’s historic achievements, PM Modi added, “After Independence, Sardar Patel accomplished the seemingly impossible task of uniting over 550 princely states. For him, the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ was paramount. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas reminds us of Sardar Patel’s unmatched dedication to national unity and integration. May the spirit of oneness continue to guide our nation.”
The occasion was marked by solemn homage and a reaffirmation of the values that bind the nation, inspiring citizens to uphold the legacy of unity and strength envisioned by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.