New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday that the statue of India's first deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre (SMCC) in Ontario is a symbol of India-Canada relations, news agency ANI reported.


PM Modi delivered these words during a ceremony in Markham, Canada, when a monument of Sardar Patel was unveiled at the Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre. "Sardar Vallabhbhai's statue at Sanatan Mandir will not only strengthen our cultural values but will also serve as a symbol of the two nations' relationship," he added.


The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of the Sanatan Mandir Cultural Center in Ontario in preserving Indian culture and traditions in Canada.


PM Modi complimented Indians in Canada for their devotion to India.


 “An Indian may live anywhere in the world for generations but his devotion to India does not decrease even a little. Whatever nation he resides in, he serves it honestly. Democratic values and sense of duty carried by his ancestors from India live in a corner of his heart,” he was quoted by ANI in its report.


Referring to the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world as one family), PM Modi said, “India talks about ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. India does not dream of its own uplift at the cost of another’s loss. India wishes for the welfare of entire humanity, the whole world.” 


During the programme, PM Modi stated that while India celebrates 75 years of independence or Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, we are taking a pledge to build a new India.


 “We are reiterating our resolve to fulfil that dream of Sardar Saheb,” he added.


“After independence, Sardar Saheb restored the Somnath temple to remind India of its thousands of years of heritage. Gujarat was a witness to that cultural Mahayagya”, noted the PM.


SMCC is a temple and cultural centre that serves the Greater Toronto Area's Hindu community. According to the SMCC website, the Gujarat Samaj of Toronto founded the SMCC Project in 1985 to support, promote, and preserve Gujarati culture.


"To preserve our values and traditions for generations to come, SMCC provides facilities for education, religious worship, and social functions for all ages," the website read.


(With ANI Inputs)