Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Friday said that opposition-led governments failed to give Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel the respect he truly deserved, noting that it took 41 years after Independence for the Iron Man of India to be conferred the Bharat Ratna.
Shah made the remarks while flagging off the ‘Run for Unity’ in New Delhi, organized to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) observed annually on October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. He also administered the Unity Pledge, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to unity and integrity.
Addressing participants, Shah said the day held special significance as it marked the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. Since 2014, he said, the country has celebrated this occasion through the nationwide Run for Unity following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to commemorate it as a special national event celebrating India’s unity and integrity.
Highlighting Patel’s pivotal role in integrating 562 princely states after Independence, Shah said his foresight, resolve, and decisive leadership transformed a fragmented land into a united, sovereign nation. He added that while Patel achieved India’s geographical integration, the abrogation of Article 370 under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership fulfilled his vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
Recounting Patel’s early life, Shah recalled that Mahatma Gandhi had bestowed the title of “Sardar” upon him after the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928, where Patel’s leadership forced the British to withdraw oppressive taxes.
He also underlined Patel’s contribution to safeguarding Lakshadweep, ensuring the Tricolour was hoisted there immediately after Independence.
Shah further spoke about the Statue of Unity at Kevadia, Gujarat, envisioned by PM Modi during his tenure as the state’s Chief Minister. Built in just 57 months, the 182-meter monument stands as the tallest statue in the world and has drawn over 2.5 crore visitors to date. He noted that around 25,000 tonnes of iron, collected from farmers across the country, were used in its construction, symbolizing Patel’s deep bond with India’s agrarian community.
Announcing that the Unity Parade will be held annually at Kevadia, Shah said the Ministry of Home Affairs would celebrate it on a grand scale each year to honor Patel’s legacy. He added that special programs are being held nationwide — from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Dwarka to Kamakhya — to spread Patel’s ideals, especially among the youth.
“The young generation taking the pledge to preserve India’s unity and integrity will be the true architects of the nation’s future,” Shah said, adding that Sardar Patel’s life continues to inspire India’s march toward unity, security, and development.
The event was attended by Union Ministers Manohar Lal and Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, among others.