PM participates in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Kevadia in Gujarat
“31 October has become a festival
of spirit of nationalism in every corner of the country”
“15 August on Red Fort, 26 January Parade on Kartavya path and Ekta Diwas under
Statue of Unity have become trinity of national upsurge”
“The Statue of Unity represents the ideals of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”
“India is moving forward with a pledge of abandoning the mentality of slavery”
“There is no objective beyond India's reach”
“Today, Ekta Nagar is recognized as a global green city”
“Today, the entire world acknowledges the unwavering determination of India,
the courage and resilience of its people”
“The biggest obstacle in the way of national unity, in our development journey,
is the politics of appeasement”
“We must persistently work towards upholding our nation's unity to realize the
aspiration of a prosperous India”
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in
the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas-related events today. He paid homage to Sardar Patel
at the Statue of Unity on his birth anniversary. Shri Modi witnessed the
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade comprising contingents from BSF and various state
police, daredevil show by all women CRPF Bikers, women pipe band of BSF,
choreographed programme by Gujarat women police, special NCC show, school bands
display, fly past by Indian Air Force, showcasing of economic viability of
vibrant villages, among others.
Addressing
the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrates
the strength of the unity of India’s youth and its warriors. “In a way, I can
witness the form of mini India '', the Prime Minister emphasized.
He underlined
that even though the languages, states and traditions are different, every
person in the country is weaved in the strong thread of unity. “The beads are
plenty, but the garland is one. Even though we are diverse, we are united”, he
said. Just like the 15th of August and the 26th of January are recognised as
Independence and Republic days, the Prime Minister emphasized that the 31st of
October has become a festival of unity throughout the nation. He highlighted
that the celebrations of Independence Day at the Red Fort, the Republic
Day Parade on Kartavya Path and the celebrations of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas by the
Statue of Unity on the banks of Maa Narmada have become a trinity of national
upsurge. Speaking about today’s program, the Prime Minister stated that those
who visit Ekta Nagar not only witness the Statue of Unity but also get a
glimpse of Sardar Saheb’s life and contribution towards the national
integration of India. “The Statue of Unity represents the ideals of Ek
Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, Modi remarked.
He noted the
contributions of the citizens in the construction of the statue and gave examples
of farmers who donated their tools. He also mentioned the amalgamation of soil
from different parts of India for the construction of the Wall of Unity. The
Prime Minister informed that crores of citizens are connected with the
celebrations of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas by taking part in the ‘Run for Unity’ and
other cultural programs all over the country. “The ideals of Sardar Saheb form
the core of 140 crore citizens who get together to celebrate the spirit of Ek
Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, the Prime Minister said as he paid homage to Sardar
Patel and congratulated the citizens for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
The
Prime Minister reiterated that the next 25 years are the most important 25
years of this century for the nation as India is to turn into a prosperous and
developed country during this period. He called for the same spirit of
dedication for the country that was witnessed in the 25 years just before the
Independence. He noted the growing profile of India in the world. “We feel
proud as we are taking the stature of the biggest democracy to a new height”,
he said. He mentioned India's robust position in security, economy, science,
indigenous defence production, and global corporate leadership being provided
by Indians in key global companies and sports.
Referring
to the pledge of moving forward and abandoning the mentality of slavery, PM
Modi said that India is growing as well as preserving its heritage.” He
mentioned the removal of colonial insignia from the Navy Flag, weeding out
unnecessary laws from colonial times, IPC being replaced and the Netaji statue
adorning India Gate replacing colonial representatives.
PM
Modi said, “Today, there is no objective beyond India's reach.” Highlighting
the power of Sabka Prayas, he mentioned the abrogation of Article 370 and said
that today the wall of Article 370 that was standing between Kashmir and the
rest of the country has been demolished and this must have pleased Sardar
Sahab, wherever he is.
Continuing
with the long pending issues, the Prime Minister also mentioned Sardar Sarovar
Dam which was pending for 5-6 decades but was completed in the last few years.
He cited the transformation of Kevadia - Ekta Nagar as an example of Sankalp se
Siddhi. “Today Ekta Nagar is recognized as a global green city”, he said. Apart
from various tourist attractions, the Prime Minister informed that in the last
6 months itself, more than 1.5 lakh trees have been planted in Ekta Nagar.
Touching upon the already strong solar power generation and city gas
distribution in the locality, the Prime Minister said that today the attraction
of a heritage train will be added to Ekta Nagar. He informed that more than 1.5
crore tourists have visited in the last 5 years, helping local tribal
communities with avenues of employment.
The
Prime Minister said, “Today, the entire world acknowledges the unwavering
determination of India and the courage and resilience of its people.” While the
world is taking inspiration from that, he cautioned against some trends.
Throwing light upon the geopolitical instability in the world of today, the
Prime Minister highlighted the crumbling economies of multiple nations after
the Covid pandemic where inflation and unemployment are at their peaks in the
last 30-40 years. Under such circumstances, the Prime Minister emphasized that
India is continuously moving forward while creating new records and measures.
The Prime Minister said that the positive impact of the policies and decisions
taken by the government in the last 9 years can be witnessed today. He informed
that more than 13.5 crore Indians have come out of poverty in the last 5 years
alone. Urging the citizens to maintain stability in the country, the Prime
Minister said that the efforts of 140 crore citizens that have brought India on
the path of development should not go to waste. “We must keep an eye on the
future and continue our resolve to accomplish national goals”, he added.
Referring
to the Iron Man Sardar Saheb's unwavering concern for internal security, the
Prime Minister listed the steps taken in the last 9 years in this regard and
how the challenges are being firmly met by depriving the forces of destruction
with the success that they enjoyed earlier. He stressed the need to remain
vigilant against the attacks on the unity of the nation.
Modi
pointed out that the largest hurdle in the development journey of India is the
politics of appeasement and it has been witnessed for the last several decades
that those indulging in appeasement politics also turn a blind eye towards
terrorism and stand with the enemies of humanity. He warned against such
thinking which endangers the unity of the country.
In
reference to the ongoing and upcoming elections, the Prime Minister cautioned
against the faction which is totally devoid of positive politics and indulging
in anti-social and anti-national activities. “We have to always continue our
efforts to maintain the unity of the country to achieve the goal of a developed
India. Whatever field we are in, we have to give our 100 percent in it. This is
the only way to give a better future to the coming generations”, Modi added.
Modi
also informed about a national competition on Sardar Patel on MyGov.
The
Prime Minister said that today's India is the new India where every citizen is
brimming with confidence. He stressed ensuring that this confidence continues
and the feeling of unity remains the same. He concluded the address by paying a
humble tribute to Sardar Patel on behalf of the citizens and conveyed his best
wishes on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
With
a view to further boost the spirit of preserving and strengthening the unity,
integrity and security of the country, the Prime Minister under his visionary
leadership decided to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.