New Delhi [India], Oct. 31 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday honoured Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the occasion of his 141st birth anniversary.
Prime Minister Modi led the nation in paying tributes to the 'Unifier of India' at the statue of Sardar Patel in Patel Chowk this morning.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel along with the Prime Minister.
"I bow to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. We recall his rich contribution to India," he earlier tweeted. Remembering the contribution of the 'Iron man' of India, Prime Minister Modi yesterday urged the nation to promote unity and equality among all.
"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel worked to bring everyone together, he worked for unity, fought for unity and brought unity among the people.
We also have to forget about all our customs and traditions and treat a girl and a boy equally, and we are moving fast," said Prime Minster Modi while addressing the nation in the 25th edition of his ' Mann Ki Baat' radio programme.
"We should take a positive step towards it and work to promote equality in the society. But on one Sardar's birthday, history remembers how the Sikhs and 'sardars' all over the country faced violence and pain, which is why we all need to learn that we all must unite and work towards unity rather than allowing divisiveness to spread," he added.
During the day, the Prime Minister will flag off Run for Unity and will administer Unity Pledge. He will release a commemorative stamp and will dedicate a digital exhibition on Sardar Patel. Various activities are being organized across the country to mark the occasion. The government had last year decided to observe Sardar Patel Jayanti Day as Ekta Diwas. This occasion provides an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of the nation to withstand the threats to its unity, integrity and security.
To commemorate the impeccable contribution of Sardar Patel in building Indian State, various programmes are being organised in his home state Gujarat where his work started and flourished.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani will pay floral tributes to Sardar's statue at Sawrnim Park in Gandhinagar and will administer the oath of Unity to the people.
Sardar Patel Trust will also celebrate the 141th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel at Karmsad in Anand where Sardar Patel had stayed for a long.
Various programmes will also be organised at different places related to the life of Patel in districts such as Ahmedabad, Bharuch, Kheda, Surat and Navsari.
Source: ANI
