Delhi, 31 October (H.S.):
Commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, on Friday called upon every citizen to uphold the integrity of the nation forged by the 'Iron Man of India'. Shah flagged off the 'Run for Unity' at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, where he, along with other dignitaries and participants, took an oath to protect the nation's unity and reiterated the resolution of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat (One India, Great India).
In his address, Shah highlighted Sardar Patel's instrumental role in the aftermath of India's independence and the geopolitical consolidation of its modern map. Lakshadweep is a part of India today due to the immense contribution of Sardar Patel, he asserted.
The Home Minister also criticized past Congress governments for failing to accord Patel his due respect, pointing out that it took 41 years for him to be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna. No memorial was built to honor his works, Shah stated, adding that it was Narendra Modi, as Chief Minister of Gujarat, who resolved to build the Statue of Unity, laying its foundation stone on October 31, 2013.Shah emphasized that Patel not only strengthened national security by integrating the princely states but also advanced the country toward self-reliance by connecting farmers and marginalized communities through the cooperative movement.
He firmly believed that the axis of national development lay in the prosperity of its farmers and was dedicated to protecting their rights his entire life, Shah remarked. He concluded by stating, It is the duty of every single patriot to protect the just and unified nation that Sardar Sahib built.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, also present at the event, said that the 'Run for Unity' symbolizes the ideology that united scattered territories into an indivisible India under Patel's leadership.
Sardar Patel's life inspires us that unity is the nation's strength and India's identity, she commented.The event was attended by Union Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, MP Bansuri Swaraj, and Delhi Ministers Parvesh Sahib Singh and Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
