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Prime Minister pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 31st October participated in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia,Gujarat. The Prime Minister offered a floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. Shri Modi also administered the Ekta Diwas pledge and witnessed Ekta Diwas Parade on the occasion of Rastriya Ekta Diwas which is celebrated every year on October 31to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
He said, “Sardar sahab’s powerful words…this program near the Statue of Unity…this panoramic view of Ekta Nagar…the wonderful performances held here…this glimpse of mini India…everything is so amazing…it is inspiring.” Extending greetings to all the countrymen on National Unity Day, the Prime Minister said that just like 15 August and 26 January, this event on 31 October fills the entire country with new energy.
On the occasion of Diwali Shri Modi conveyed his wishes to all the Indians living in the country and the world. He noted, this time the National Unity Day has brought a wonderful coincidence of celebrating this festival of unity along with the festival of Deepawali. “Deepawali, through the medium of lamps, connects the whole country, illuminates the whole country. And now the festival of Deepawali is also connecting India with the world”, he added.
Shri Modi underlined that this year’s Ekta Diwas is more special as Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary year is starting from today. For the next 2 years, the country will celebrate Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary. This is the country’s tribute to his extraordinary contribution to India. The Prime Minister emphasised that this celebration of two years will strengthen our resolve for one India, great India. This occasion will teach us that even the seemingly impossible can be made possible, he added.
Shivaji Maharaj united everyone to drive away the invaders
Shri Modi underscored how Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj united everyone to drive away the invaders. Raigad Fort of Maharashtra still tells that story. Raigad Fort has been the sacred land of the values of social justice, patriotism and nation first, he added. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had united the different ideas of the nation for one purpose in the Raigad Fort. Today here in Ekta Nagar, we are seeing the image of that historic fort of Raigad…. Today, in this background, we have united here for the accomplishment of the resolution of a developed India”, he said.
Strengthening unity and integrity
Shri Modi reiterated how India has seen remarkable achievements in strengthening unity and integrity, over the past decade. This commitment is evident in various government initiatives, exemplified by Ekta Nagar and the Statue of Unity. This monument symbolises unity not just in name but also in its construction as it is built with iron and soil gathered from villages nationwide. Ekta Nagar features Ekta Nursery, Vishwa Van with flora from every continent, Children Nutrition Park promoting healthy foods from across India, Arogya Van highlighting Ayurveda from different regions, and Ekta Mall, where handicrafts from around the country are showcased together, the Prime Minister underlined.