NEW DELHI / AMN
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday cautioned people against divisive forces and called upon them to make India a powerful and strong nation.
Speaking at a function in New Delhi to mark Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary, Mr Modi asked the people to be vigilant against elements trying to divide the society. He said there should be no discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, village and city.
Mr Modi said Patel could unite all states of the country because of his strong political will. He administered the oath of unity to thousands of children who had gathered at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium for Run For Unity.
Mr Modi also released a commemorative postage stamp on the Iron Man.
Later at another function, the Prime Minister dedicated to the nation a digital museum in the memory of Patel.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister lauded Sardar Patel’s role in integration of India saying the Iron Man was totally devoted to the nation.
Saying that no one has the copyright on Patel, Mr Modi said he follows the Iron Man’s ideology and beliefs even though Patel belonged to Congress.
He said the concept of women reservation was first mooted by Sardar Patel, but his proposal was not heeded to.
The Prime Minister also launched the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat website. It will serve as the central platform for celebrating country’s unity in diversity.
The Prime Minister had paid floral tributes to Patel at his statue in the heart of the national capital. Several Union Ministers including Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu joined the Prime Minister in paying the tributes.
Our correspondent reports the unity pledge was administered in several Central Government departments across the country.
A combined programme of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas and Vigilance Awareness was held today at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat.
On the occasion, State Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha said that the nation on this day remembers Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron man of India, for his contributions for national integrity and unity of the country.
On Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas, the Home Commissioner said that it is also the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister, who was also remembered on the occasion for her great contributions, especially about diminishing the difference among the people of the country and towards a peaceful coexisting and unity.
Chief Secretary RB Thong, led in administering of the three different pledges respectively which was followed by singing of the National Anthem.