Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations to mark the 144th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel today.
Prime Minister paid floral tribute to Sardar Patel at the ‘Statue of Unity' at Kevadiya in Gujarat this morning. Later, he administered the 'National unity pledge' to a large gathering. He also witnessed the 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade' by Gujarat Police and central armed forces personnel. Across the country, Lakhs of people took part in the Run for Unity organised in over 700 districts.
In his address, the Prime Minister recalled Sardar Patel's contribution to the unity and integrity of India. He underlined the importance of unity in diversity and the feeling of fraternity among all the people in hours of crisis. The Prime Minister dedicated the abrogation of article 370 to Sardar Patel whose dream of complete unification of India has been fulfilled with the abrogation of 370.
Mr. Modi said there will be political stability in Jammu & Kashmir and discrimination with the people of Jammu & Kahsmir will stop.
Since 2014, October 31st is observed as the National Unity Day and people from all walks of life
participate in the 'Run For Unity'. Lets go live to our Correspondent Amandeep to know more about the celebrations there:
The programme at Kevadiya began with a flag march which was led by assistant commandant Hanuman Singh Yadav. The event was unique in itself as there were 48 flags in the march including the paramilitary forces and many state police forces. It was followed by a dance performance of school kids on the life of Sardar Patel.
After this event the Rashtriya Ekta parade began in which CRPF, CISF, BSF and Police Forces of Assam, Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir took part. Just after this event, there was technology demonstration by the CISF which showed the state of the art, planning and course of action to tackle terrorist attacks on airport.
After this NDRF showed a drill on tackling the earthquakes and in the end NSG showed all the unique state of art technologies and methods they use in tackling terrorists and defusing bombs.
The most exciting part was the inclusion of women contingent from CRPF and Gujrat police. The women contingent of CRPF led the parade. Later the contingent of women officers from CRPF and Gujarat police showed acrobats on motorcycles.