No compromise with the nation’s integrity is acceptable: CM Yogi on Patel’s 150th birth anniversary

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday launched the ‘Run for Unity’ in Lucknow, organised to mark the 150th birth anniversary of ‘Bharat Ratna’ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He said the life, dedication, and sacrifice of Sardar Patel remain a source of inspiration for every Indian.

On this occasion, he paid homage to Sardar Patel by garlanding his statue and said that the true tribute to Sardar Patel, the Iron Man who dedicated his life to India’s integrity and unity, would be when people embody his ideals in their conduct.

Advertisement

”On this National Unity Day, let us resolve to rise above caste, language, religion, and region and strengthen India’s unity and integrity,” he said. Since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has begun a tradition of honouring those great sons who worked to unite India, he noted.

He explained that today, through the ‘Run for Unity’ campaign, this campaign is being run in more than 600 locations across the country to strengthen the spirit of patriotism and unity among the youth. The Chief Minister said that ”our Indian tradition states that ‘Shivo Bhootva Shivam Yajet’, meaning that we should mold ourselves according to what we worship”.

He said that adopting the values of unity and integrity not only in speeches but also in practice is the true tribute. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the memory of Sardar Patel has been brought to life in the form of the ‘Statue of Unity’ in Kevadia (Gujarat), which has now become a national inspiration.

CM Adityanath said that Sardar Patel, after independence, foiled British conspiracies and created a united India by integrating 563 princely states into the Republic of India. He said that when the princely states of Hyderabad and Junagadh refused to merge with India, the Iron Man first adopted the path of dialogue. However, when the nation’s integrity was threatened, he took a tough decision to secure India’s unity. He clearly stated that any tampering with India’s integrity was unacceptable.

The Chief Minister said that by removing Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Modi has realised the vision of a united India that Sardar Patel envisioned. This is a true tribute to Patel, he added.

The Chief Minister informed that a cultural team and a delegation of artisans from Uttar Pradesh will go to Kevadia to commemorate Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary. A programme to pay tribute to Sardar Patel will be held in Kevadia on November 12th, under the leadership of the Governor. He said that this is an opportunity to strengthen the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Swadeshi Abhiyan’, as well as to empower the artisans of Uttar Pradesh to become self-reliant.

The Chief Minister said that ‘Run for Unity’ events were organized today in all 75 districts of the state, in which millions of youth, students, voluntary organisations, administrative officials, and citizens participated, spreading the message of national unity. He said that this is not just a race, but a symbol of India’s unity, integrity, and social harmony.

The Chief Minister called for opposing all nefarious attempts that divide society on the basis of casteism, nepotism, or untouchability. ”The message of National Unity Day is that we all work together to strengthen India’s integrity and strengthen social unity, he said, adding that ”drawing inspiration from Sardar Patel’s life, we should oppose any force that attempts to weaken the nation’s unity.”

Earlier, CM Adityanath also wished the people of the state on National Unity Day on social media. He wrote on X, “Humble tribute to the great freedom fighter, Iron Man, ‘Bharat Ratna’ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary and heartfelt greetings to the people of the state on National Unity Day. The tireless efforts made by ‘Sardar Saheb’ for India’s internal security and integrity will always inspire us to achieve the vision of ‘Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat’.”