Lucknow: Paying rich tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is finally realising Patel’s unwavering vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ by strengthening national unity.
Flagging off the ‘Run for Unity’ to mark the 147th birth anniversary of the former deputy prime minister from his official residence in the state capital, Adityanath said, “Sardar Patel is the architect of a strong, united and integrated independent India.
“His momentous service and monumental contribution to India can never be forgotten. I urge all countrymen to strive to realise his ideals and values for the nation for which he dedicated his entire life.”
The ‘Run for Unity’ must become the medium to make India the most powerful country in the world, he said, adding, “The youth must take forward the ideals and vision of Sardar Patel and become aware of his sacrifice, contributions and dreams for modern India.”
The chief minister said, “We are aware of how the Britishers cunningly wanted to divide India into pieces. About 563 princely estates in India were made to choose whether to be a part of India, Pakistan or have an independent existence, however, Sardar Patel’s vision and dedication for the country ensured the political integration of 563 princely estates post independence.”
He said that it is a matter of pride for every Indian today that India is recognised as the largest and strongest democracy in the world.
In a veiled attack on the previous governments, the BJP leader said, “For the first time, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel is being widely remembered in India. Those who just wanted their families to be respected must see how national heroes are being celebrated and remembered all over India in the Amrit Kaal.”
He also congratulated the Sports and the Culture Departments for organising the ‘Run for Unity’ in the state in all 75 districts, including the state capital Lucknow.
He reiterated the importance of sports activities in teaching people the relevance of team spirit and unity and also urged the participants who have recently recovered from any kind of viral infection to participate in the program without exerting themselves.
After flagging off the run, the chief minister along with a host of other dignitaries garlanded the statue of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel at the GPO here.
On the occasion of ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’, as the day has come to celebrated as, Adityanath said, “Today, the whole country is paying homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ji by remembering him for his work and values which maintained that national unity and integrity. I salute the architect of modern India.”
He said that under the leadership of PM Modi, the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat is being realised. “A grand statue in Gujarat stands today propagating the vision of Sardar Patel. The entire country is witnessing initiatives of the government to make Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel inspirational for the present and future generations,” he said.
