Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in celebrating Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on Friday, paying heartfelt tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the ‘Iron Man of India, ‘ on his landmark 150th birth anniversary. The main ceremony was organised at the Statue of Unity in Narmada, Gujarat, the iconic monument dedicated to the ‘Iron Man of India,’ whose foresight unified over 560 princely states into modern India.
PM Modi administers national unity pledge at Statue of Unity
In a powerful display of national commitment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered floral tributes at the colossal statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel before participating in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade. He then administered the national unity pledge to reaffirm the country’s dedication to its integrity and internal security.
“I solemnly swear that I will dedicate myself to the preservation of the unity, integrity, and security of the nation… I take this oath in the spirit of my country’s unity, made possible by the foresight and hard work of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,” the Prime Minister declared, invoking the architect of national integration.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi used the social media platform X to recall Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s model of shaping a cohesive nation. He wrote, “India pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th Jayanti. He was the driving force behind India’s integration, thus shaping our nation’s destiny in its formative years. His unwavering commitment to national integrity, good governance, and public service continues to inspire generations.”
Leaders across India honour the Nation-Builder
Tributes poured in from leaders across the political spectrum, highlighting the enduring legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- President Droupadi Murmu honoured the leader at Gantantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan, describing him as a ‘great patriot, visionary leader, and nation-builder’. She urged citizens to ‘unite and resolve to build a strong, harmonious, and excellent India’.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah referred to Patel as the ‘symbol of national unity, integrity, and the empowerment of farmers’. He stressed that Sardar Patel’s work, from the integration of princely states to his leadership of the cooperative movement, strengthened the nation’s core.
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also paid homage, noting that Patel’s ‘diplomacy, foresight, and dedication played a crucial role in building a united and empowered India’.
The Legacy of Unity-The Iron Man of India
Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, Vallabhbhai Patel began his career as a lawyer. He rose to prominence during the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918. His most celebrated achievement came post-Independence when, as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, he masterfully oversaw the integration of 565 princely states into the Indian Union. Since 2014, the Union government has officially observed his birth anniversary, October 31st, as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. The governments and people celebrate the day with events like the ‘Run for Unity’. They aim to promote the critical values of national cohesion and unity among citizens nationwide.
