Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel remains an enduring inspiration of sacrifice, patriotism and national unity for every youth.
Addressing the gathering at the ‘Run for Unity’ event in New Delhi on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, Shah highlighted his contribution to India’s national integration and said that the country achieved an undivided identity under his leadership in just 1,218 days.
He said that Sardar Patel accomplished in a short span of time what several leaders might not have achieved in an entire lifetime, bringing together the princely states and laying the foundation for a united India.
“Today, the India shaped by Sardar Patel’s vision stands with pride before the world,” Shah said.
The Home Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to eliminate Naxalism and tackle drug abuse. He appealed to citizens to contribute towards achieving the target of making India completely drug-free by December 31, 2029.
Describing a drug-free India as essential to the country’s development, Shah said that a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ is the first step towards realising the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
He also cited key decisions taken during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, including the abrogation of Article 370, which, he said, fully integrated Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country, along with efforts to eliminate Naxalism.
Shah further noted that Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary has been observed as National Unity Day since 2014, following the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel.
National Unity Day is observed every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. The occasion seeks to reinforce the values of national unity, integrity and security.
As part of the celebrations, ‘Run for Unity’ events and unity marches are organised across the country to honour Patel’s legacy and promote national solidarity.
This year, the ‘Run for Unity’ is also being organised in the evening at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the programme during an event in Banaskantha on Friday and appealed to young people to participate in large numbers.
(Ani)
