Sardar Patel United India; We Must Keep It Strong: PM Modi
Prime Minister pays tribute to Patel’s role in integrating India, cites progress in tackling Naxalism and poverty, and calls for collective resolve towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
- PM Modi participates in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar.
- He recalls Sardar Patel’s role in integrating more than 550 princely states.
- PM cites progress against Left-Wing Extremism and poverty reduction.
- Calls for national unity and collective efforts towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
GG News Bureau
Ekta Nagar, 1st Nov: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday participated in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Addressing the gathering, he paid tribute to Patel’s contribution to national integration and called upon citizens to strengthen the spirit of unity as India moves towards its 2047 development goals.
The celebrations featured the National Unity Parade, showcasing the valour of police and security forces, along with tableaus reflecting India’s heritage and aspirations. The Prime Minister also referred to the morning’s Run for Unity, which witnessed participation from lakhs of citizens.
Modi said visiting the Statue of Unity fills people with pride and gratitude towards Patel, recalling his role in integrating more than 550 princely states after Independence. He described Patel as a key figure in shaping India’s geographical and political unity.
Patel’s Legacy and the Idea of National Unity
The Prime Minister said independence gives a nation the freedom to shape its future, while the Constitution provides the framework for governance and accountability. Unity, he added, gives the country the strength to move forward together.
He highlighted Patel’s understanding of India’s diversity, saying it was not an obstacle but a foundation of national unity. Modi also recalled Patel’s role in the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, describing it as an important part of India’s cultural resurgence. He noted that the 75th anniversary of the temple’s reconstruction is being marked this year.
PM Says Naxalism Has Been Dealt a Decisive Blow
Recalling the commitments made during the nationwide observance of Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, Modi said the country had achieved several milestones in the past two years.
He stated that Left-Wing Extremism had suffered a decisive setback, claiming that the number of Naxal-affected districts had declined from 126 in 2015 to zero by March 2026. He said areas previously affected by violence were increasingly connecting with development through roads, mobile networks, schools and healthcare facilities.
The Prime Minister welcomed families from formerly Naxal-affected regions who attended the celebrations as special guests and paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives in efforts to establish peace.
Cites Poverty Reduction and Expanded Social Security
Referring to poverty alleviation, Modi cited a World Bank report, saying that 50 crore Indians had moved out of poverty during the 10 to 12 years leading up to 2024. He also said the proportion of people facing extreme poverty had fallen from 27 per 100 to below three per 100.
The Prime Minister attributed the progress to welfare measures such as Direct Benefit Transfers, free foodgrain distribution, healthcare, housing, sanitation, clean cooking fuel and insurance coverage. He said social security coverage had expanded from fewer than 25 crore people before 2014 to nearly 100 crore.
He reiterated the government’s resolve to eradicate poverty and said welfare and empowerment would remain central to the vision of a developed India.
Calls for Vigilance Against Divisive Forces
Highlighting the importance of national unity amid global conflicts, economic uncertainty and disruptions in supply chains, Modi said public solidarity remained a key source of India’s strength.
He cautioned citizens against misinformation, rumours and attempts to create divisions, including through social media. He also called for vigilance against ideological extremism and forces he said sought to undermine national unity.
Outlining future priorities, the Prime Minister referred to securing India’s borders, preventing infiltration and demographic changes, and moving towards a Secular Civil Code. He said the country would remain committed to the goals of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat and Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The Prime Minister concluded by urging citizens to work collectively towards building a strong and capable India.
