Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on the occasion of 145th birth anniversary of first Deputy Prime Minister of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel being celebrated as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ garlanded his portrait at the Ridge here today. He also paid floral tributes on the statue of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary.While addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that it was due to the determination, dedication, diplomacy and iron will ofSardar Patel that India today stands united. Sardar Patel integrated the farmer’s cause in Kheda and Bardoli with the national freedom movement. The Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 is an epitome of the unity and discipline shown by farmers, even when their land, assets, and means of livelihood were seized.The Chief Minister said that the nation was divided into 562 odd princely states that were released from the British suzerainty; there was colossal chaos, confusion and conjugation. Sardar Patel rose to the occasion and did one of the most remarkable integrations in the history of the world and united all the big and small princely states of India. The most noteworthy part of Sardar Patel’s endeavour was his understanding and ability to combine such a diverse country in terms of geography, languages, cultures, and traditions, he added.Jai Ram Thakur said that the present Union Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was engaging with the legacy of Sardar Patel with all due considerations, respect and diligence. He said that under his leadership, the Nation has taken a big initiative of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
The Prime Minister has unparalleled fervour, faith and firmness to take this integration to the next level, he added.The Chief Minister said that as a mark of respect to Sardar Patel, a 182 meter statue of him located on the Narmada River in the Kevadiya colony, facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat. He said that it was the world's tallest statue built by collecting iron from all the States of the country. He said that this was a befitting tribute to the ‘Iron Man of India’.Jai Ram Thakur said that India was forging ahead on the path of progress and prosperity under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu Kashmir paved the way for ‘One Nation One Flag, One Constitution’.He also remembered the contributions of Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary. He said that Indira Gandhi made immense contributions for upholding the unity and integrity of the country. He said that she laid down her life for the cause of the nation.Jai Ram Thakur also felicitated the people of the State on the occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti and urged them to imbibe the teachings of this ‘Adikavi’ which were more relevant even today.He said that the India was strongly fighting the Corona pandemic and it would definitely win the battle against the virus. He said that Prime Minister in his recent address to the nation has urged the people to ensure social distancing, use face masks and sanitizers to save ourselves from this virus.Jai Ram Thakur also administered oath of national unity pledge to the gathering on the occasion.An impressive march past was presented by the State police contingent. DSP Probationer Sidharth Sharma was main attraction of the event.Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, Chairperson Saksham Gudiya Board Roopa Sharma, Mayor Satya Koundal, Chairman HIMFED Ganesh Dutt, Chief Secretary Anil Khachi, Additional Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar, Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu, Secretary GAD Devesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Aditya Negi, Director, Information and Public Relations Harbans Singh Brascon and other senior civil and police officers were present on the occasion.