PM Modi Paid Tribute To Sardar Patel On Ekta Diwas, Warned Leaders Politicising Sacrifice Of Pulwama Martyrs

On the 145th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, PM said that India needs to stand united and fulfill the dream of the Iron Man of India. He warned the leaders of politicised the Pulwama attack.

Sardar Patel Anniversary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, October 31, paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat.

Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary is being celebrated as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) since 2014.

With a height of 182 meters, the Sardar Patel statue is 100 times larger than the average person. The total height of the Sardar Patel statue is double that of New York's Statue of Liberty.

PM Modi gave a message of unity to the nation and said if the country is united we will be undefeated, these are some key highlights of his Ekta Diwas speech:

• Attacking the Opposition for criticising the Centre after the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Modi urged that people should not do politics in the interest of the nation. “The country can never forget that some people were not saddened at the sacrifice of the security personnel during the Pulwama attack. At that time, these people were only doing politics... I request them not to do such politics in the interest of the nation,” he said.
•  PM Modi stressed on the urgent need to fight global terrorism and said, “Today, all countries of the world need to unite against terrorism. No one can benefit from terrorism and violence. India has always fought against terrorism.”
• Highlighting the abrogation of Article 370, PM Modi said that India is establishing new dimensions of unity today. “Today, Kashmir has moved on a new path of development...Whether it is restoration of peace in the Northeast, or the steps being taken for development there, today the country is establishing new dimensions of unity,” he said.
• Stressing on the Covid 19 pandemic PM said, "Around 130 crore Indians together honoured the Covid-19 warriors in their fight against this pandemic. The way the country has proved its collective potential during this time is unprecedented."
• The Prime Minister will launch a seaplane service connecting the Statue of Unity with the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.
• Later in the day, PM Modi is expected to address 428 trainee officers from various civil services who are currently undergoing the foundation course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie via video conference.
• National Security Guard commandos, personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, Gujarat Police cadre were among the many who participated in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade in Kevadia on Saturday.

On Friday, PM Modi had inaugurated as many as 17 new projects, including new tourist attractions near the Statue of Unity. Some of the major attractions include Arogya Van, Ekta Mall, Children Nutrition Park, Sardar Patel Zoological Park or Jungle Safari, and a boat ride.