Speaking at the National Unity Day celebrations on the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel in Ekta Nagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India’s unity is based on four pillars – cultural, linguistic, development and connectivity. He gave a strict message on terrorism, Naxalism and infiltration.
Gandhinagar. A grand celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was organized in Ekta Nagar on Friday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Paramilitary forces presented an impressive parade in an atmosphere full of patriotism in the vicinity of the Statue of Unity. The Prime Minister started the ceremony by worshiping the statue of Sardar Patel and told the countrymen that devotion to Mother India is the greatest worship.
“Unity is the root of the strength of the nation”- Prime Minister Modi
The Prime Minister said that unity is the basic foundation of the existence of the nation and society. As long as there is unity in the society, the integrity of the nation will remain safe. He said that India’s unity rests on four pillars – cultural unity, linguistic unity, discrimination-free development and connectivity.
Cultural and linguistic unity- identity of India
The Prime Minister said that cultural unity is the soul of India, which has held the country together for thousands of years. He said that linguistic diversity is the strength of India. There are hundreds of languages and dialects here, which are a symbol of the country’s self-respect and creativity. No one ever tried to impose one language, this is the true unity of India.
Discrimination-free development – Sardar Patel’s dream
Modi said that poverty and discrimination are the biggest weaknesses of the society. Sardar Patel wanted to make a long term plan against poverty. The Prime Minister said that the present government has brought 25 crore people out of poverty by fulfilling the unfulfilled dream of Sardar Saheb. This is unity of development in the true sense.
Connectivity- the fourth pillar that connects hearts
The Prime Minister said that the fourth pillar of India’s unity is “connectivity”. Today, the distances between North-South and East-West have reduced due to record highways, expressways, Vande Bharat and Namo Bharat trains in the country. He said that by connecting small cities with airports, the distance between hearts is decreasing and India is becoming stronger at the global level.
“Sardar Patel did the work of making history”
Modi said that instead of writing history, Sardar Patel did the work of making history. He united India by merging more than 550 princely states. He said that the idea of “One India, Best India” is the gift of Patel and this is the basic basis of our government’s policy.
National Unity Day – Festival of Pride and Resolve
The Prime Minister said that like 15 August and 26 January, “National Unity Day” is also a day of pride and inspiration. Crores of people across the country took the oath of unity, which symbolizes the resolve for the integrity of India.
“A true tribute to Sardar Patel – protection of the unity of the country”
Modi said that efforts like the mall and garden of Ekta Nagar are dedicated to the unity of the country. He said that we should stay away from things which harm the unity of the country. He described devotion to Mother India as the highest duty of every citizen.
Strict stance on Kashmir, Naxalism and infiltration
The Prime Minister said that due to ignoring the policies of Sardar Patel, the country had to face problems like Kashmir, Naxalism and terrorism. He said that if Patel’s suggestions had been adopted, Kashmir would have been completely a part of India today. Modi said that after 2014, Kashmir has been included in the mainstream by removing Article 370.
“India will no longer compromise on its security and honour”
The Prime Minister said that now India is stronger than before. “Operation Sindoor” showed that India would give a befitting reply to any attack. He said that this is Sardar Patel’s India – which is always alert to protect its sovereignty.
Decisive attack on Naxalism-Maoism
Modi said that in the last 11 years the back of Naxalism and Maoism has been broken. Earlier Naxalites used to follow their own rules, now the government has hit them hard. He said that the government will not stop until the country is completely free from Naxalism and terrorism.
“Infiltration is the biggest threat to the unity of the country”
The Prime Minister said that foreign infiltrators disturbed the population balance of the country and captured the resources. He said that the previous governments ignored this threat due to vote bank politics, but now under the “Demography Mission” a decisive fight has been started with this challenge. Modi said that those who want to give rights to infiltrators for personal gain are betraying the country.
“Service to Mother India is the greatest worship”
The Prime Minister said that Sardar Patel enjoyed serving the country the most. He called upon every Indian to make the practice of Mother India his worship. When 140 crore people speak with one voice, India’s success is decided. He said that we will not be divided, we will not become weak, and will fulfill the resolve of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”.
PM Modi greeted the public after the unity parade
At the end of the program, Prime Minister Modi walked on the parade route and accepted the greetings of the people present. MPs, MLAs, Chief Secretaries and a large number of citizens were present on the occasion.