New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the ‘Statue of Unity’ located on the banks of river Narmada on the occasion of ‘National Unity Day’ on Friday morning. The Prime Minister reached ‘Ekta Nagar’ at around 8 in the morning, where he paid floral tributes and paid obeisance at the statue of Sardar Patel.
Let us tell you that this occasion is being celebrated as the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. During this, Prime Minister Modi inspected the ‘National Unity Day’ parade and also administered the oath of unity to the gathering present. It is noteworthy that a day before this event, PM Modi had also met the family of Sardar Patel. He said, “It was a privilege to meet Sardar Patel’s family in Kevadiya. We remembered his amazing contribution, which played an important role in uniting India.”
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that after independence, Sardar Patel made possible the seemingly impossible task of uniting more than 550 princely states. He said, “Sardar Patel’s dream was ‘One India, Best India’. He believed not in writing history but in creating history and united the country.”
In his speech, Modi also targeted the opposition and said that due to the policies of Congress, Kashmir has had to face unrest for decades. He said, “Weak and wrong policies gave Pakistan the opportunity to spread terrorism. Congress always adopted a soft stance, whereas Sardar Patel gave us the message of strong and decisive policy.”
In a video message shared on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, the Prime Minister said that India is still inspired by his ideals. He wrote, “India pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th birth anniversary. He was the chief architect of the unification of India, who strengthened the foundation of the nation. His dedication still inspires us to build a united, strong and self-reliant India.”