PM Modi Pays Tribute To Sardar Patel On Rashtriya Ekta Diwas; Pledges To Protect Nation's Unity

 

Ekta Nagar : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat on the 150th birth anniversary of India's first home minister. He also administered the “oath of unity” to the gathering and witnessed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade.

 

Modi arrived at Patel's 182-metre-tall statue, near Ekta Nagar in Gujarat's Narmada district, in the morning and paid his respects to the Iron Man of India by offering flower petals. The tribute featured a grand parade and cultural performances, highlighting India’s unity in diversity. The birth anniversary of Patel is being celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on October 31 since 2014, when Modi became the prime minister for the first time.

During the event, PM Modi took an oath to protect the nation’s unity and integrity. Addressing the gathering, he said, “I take this oath to protect the unity and integrity of our country and dedicate myself to this cause.”

 

He further added, "I take this pledge with the spirit of national unity and commit myself to maintaining internal security.”The Ekta Shapath, or unity pledge, is a solemn resolve to dedicate oneself to preserving the unity, integrity, and security of India."

 

The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade, a major attraction of the celebrations, features contingents from paramilitary forces like the BSF and CRPF, and various state police forces. This year, the event has become even more special with the parade being organised on the lines of the Republic Day parade.

 

Earlier in a social media post, Modi described Vallabhbhai Patel as the key force behind India’s integration.

"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. His unwavering commitment to national integrity, good governance and public service continues to inspire generations. We also reaffirm our collective resolve to uphold his vision of a united, strong and self-reliant India," Modi said on X.