Dehradun: Paying tribute to Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on behalf of all Uttarakhand residents, the Chief Minister said that Sardar Patel realized the dream of a united India with his indomitable will, vision, and unwavering dedication. Describing Sardar Patel as the architect of modern India, the Chief Minister said that his struggle against injustice during the Kheda and Bardoli farmers’ movements made him popular in India. He dedicated his entire life to serving the nation.
The Chief Minister said that Sardar Patel integrated 562 princely states into India by demonstrating dialogue, love, perseverance, and fearlessness. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has paid a true tribute to Sardar Patel by deciding to celebrate his birth anniversary as National Unity Day. Inspired by Sardar Patel, the Prime Minister is working to elevate India’s unity, integrity, and national pride to new heights with the mantra of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
The Chief Minister stated that by abolishing Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister has fulfilled the resolve of Sardar Patel and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee for one country, one law, and one constitution. The Prime Minister commissioned the construction of the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, in Kevadia, Gujarat. He also organized a Run for Unity nationwide on Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary, inspiring youth to follow the path shown by Sardar Patel.
The Chief Minister stated that as part of the Sardar@150 Unity March, the Uttarakhand government organized Ekta Yatras in every district of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister stated that he himself participated in the Ekta Yatra at four major locations. Through the Ekta Yatra, youth were engaged in topics such as drug de-addiction, yoga, and health, and efforts were made to promote local handicrafts and indigenous products through cooperative fairs.
The Chief Minister stated that during the Ekta Yatra, various public issues were resolved by organizing public dialogue programs in village councils. Important initiatives were also taken towards environmental protection by developing Sardar Upvans in various villages. The Chief Minister stated that inspired by Sardar Patel and guided by the Prime Minister, the Uttarakhand government has implemented the Uniform Civil Code in the state, ensuring equal rights and laws for all citizens.
The Chief Minister stated that the Central Government organized the Sardar@150 Unity March to spread Sardar Patel’s message of unity and harmony across the country. This campaign was celebrated nationwide. The Chief Minister urged everyone to follow Sardar Patel’s ideals, prioritizing the unity and integrity of the country. Following his path, he emphasized the need to rise above caste, region, sect, and language and work dedicatedly to strengthen India.
Punjab Governor Shri Gulabchand Kataria, Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
