Referring to the pledge of moving forward and abandoning the mentality of slavery, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that "India is growing as well as preserving its heritage."
PM Modi today participated in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas-related celebrations in Kevadia in Gujarat after paying homage to Sardar Patel at the Statue of Unity here on his birth anniversary.
"India has removed the slavery symbol from its naval flag. Unnecessary laws made during the era of slavery are also being removed. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has replaced IPC. Where once there was a statue of a representative of a foreign power at India Gate, now the statue of Netaji Subhash is inspiring us," PM Modi said in Ekta Nagar, which was formerly known as Kevadia.
Asserting that Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is the symbol of new India, PM Modi said that that millions of citizens are connected with the celebrations of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas by taking part in the 'Run for Unity' and other cultural programs all over the country.
"The ideals of Sardar Saheb form the core of 140 crore citizens who get together to celebrate the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat", the Prime Minister said as he paid homage to Sardar Patel and congratulated the citizens for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
"The people coming to Ekta Nagar not only get to see this grand statue but also get a glimpse of Sardar Saheb's life, sacrifice and his contribution to building one India. The story of the construction of this statue itself reflects the spirit of 'Ek Bharat - Shrestha Bharat'," PM Modi said
"Lakhs of people are participating in 'Run for Unity' across the country. Lakhs of people are taking part in it through cultural programs. When we see this flow of unity among 140 crore Indians, it seems as if the ideals of Sardar Saheb are running within us in the form of the resolve of 'Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat," the PM added.
"The world has been surprised to see India's potential in the G20 Summit. We are proud that our borders remain safe amidst many global crises. We are proud that in the next few years, we are going to become the third-largest economy in the world," he added.
The Prime Minister further said that Indians are proud that India has reached that part of the Moon where no other country in the world has been able to reach.
"We are proud that today in India, our professionals are running and leading the billion-dollar companies of the world. We are proud that today the glory of the tricolor is continuously increasing in big sports events of the world. We are proud that our youth are breaking records, winning medals," he added.
Emphasizing making India a developed country in the next 25 years, the PM said that the next 25 years are most important for the country.
"We feel proud as we are taking the stature of the biggest democracy to a new height", he said.
He mentioned India's robust position in security, economy, science, indigenous defence production, and global corporate leadership being provided by Indians in key global companies and sports.
Continuing with the long pending issues, the Prime Minister also said that the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which was pending for five to six decades was completed in the last few years.
He cited the transformation of Kevadia - Ekta Nagar as an example of Sankalp se Siddhi. "Today Ekta Nagar is recognized as a global green city" as over 150,000 trees have been planted in the city in the last six months.
Touching upon the already strong solar power generation and city gas distribution in the locality, the Prime Minister said that today the attraction of a heritage train will be added to Ekta Nagar. He informed that more than 15 million tourists have visited the city in the last 5 years, helping local tribal communities with avenues of employment.
Referring to the 'Iron Man' Sardar Saheb's unwavering concern for internal security, the Prime Minister listed the steps taken in the last nine years in this regard and how the challenges are being firmly met by depriving the forces of destruction with the success that they enjoyed earlier.
He stressed the need to remain vigilant against the attacks on the unity of the nation.
Earlier this morning, PM Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity on the birth anniversary of the country's first Home Minister which is celebrated as National Unity Day.
The 'Statue of Unity', dedicated to Sardar Patel, was inaugurated by PM Modi on October 31, 2018.
On the 148th birth anniversary of the 'Iron Man', Prime Minister Modi witnessed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) parade, comprising marching contingents from the Border Security Force and the state police force.
Since 2014, October 31 has been observed as National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. On this occasion 'Run for Unity' is organised across the country which sees participation by people from all walks of life.
A daredevil show by all women CRPF Bikers, women pipe band of BSF, choreographed programme by Gujarat women police, special NCC show, school bands display, fly past by Indian Air Force, showcasing of economic viability of vibrant villages, among others was displayed in front of the Prime Minister on the occasion.
Later, PM Modi will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth Rs 1.6 billion.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel served as India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister between 1947 to 1950.
Born on October 31, 1875, in Gujarat's Nadiad, Sardar Patel is credited with uniting all 562 princely states of the pre-independent country to build the Republic of India. He passed away on December 15, 1950.
(ANI)