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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as he participated in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat's Kevadia, to mark the 150 birth anniversary of India's first Home Minister. The Modi government has been observing October 31 as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' or National Unity Day since 2014.
Speaking at Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade, PM Modi praised Sardar Patel for his "unmatched dedication" to national unity and said that he created history by unifying India. "After Independence, Sardar Patel accomplished seemingly impossible task of merging over 550 princely states into Indian Union. Sardar Patel believed we should not waste time in writing history but creating it," the Prime Minister said.
'Kashmir fell into Pak's occupation due to Cong'
Prime Minister Modi said that Sardar Patel wanted to integrate entire Kashmir with India but then PM Jawaharlal Nehru did not allow it. "Due to weak policies of the Congress party, a part of Kashmir fell into Pakistan's illegal occupation," he added. The Prime Minister also said that Congress has inherited 'slave mentality' from the British.
He further underscored that one must thwart every conspiracy that seeks to undermine the unity of the nation, to achieve the goal of a Viksit Bharat.
PM Modi, in a post on X, remembered Sardar Patel as the driving force behind India’s integration and said that his unwavering commitment to national integrity, good governance and public service continues to inspire generations.
"India pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th Jayanti. He was the driving force behind India’s integration, thus shaping our nation’s destiny in its formative years," PM Modi said.
"We also reaffirm our collective resolve to uphold his vision of a united, strong and self-reliant India," he added.
Patel is credited with the merger of over 550 princely states into the Union of India as India's first home minister and deputy prime minister.
On the occasion of Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary, a series of programmes remembering his contribution to the unification of India are being organised as part of the National Unity Day celebrations across the country. A grand parade was also held in front of his statue in Kevadia.
