Indian PM Modi marks Sardar Patel birth anniversary

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the OYO Ekta houseboat in the vicinity of the Statue of Unity in Gujarat's Ekta Nagar district on the occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel birth anniversary.

Gujarat's first houseboat is an attempt to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Government of Gujarat's vision to establish Statue of Unity as one of the world's most popular tourist attractions.

True to its name, the houseboat offers a rich and a culturally diverse confluence of craftsmanship. The exteriors are inspired by Kashmiri culture with carvings and wooden finish whereas the interior of the boat is inspired by the rich and diverse Gujarati culture and art. The main entrance door of the boat has exterior face inspired by Moroccan pattern and interior face inspired by Ahmedabadi Deli design. It took more than 90 days and a team of 30+ carpenters and painters to flawlessly execute the intricate carvings on the houseboat.

Notably, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah on October 31 said India would not have faced many problems if Sardar Patel had been India's first prime minister instead of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Shah's remarks came while addressing Sardar Patel Vidyalaya in the national capital.

"It was the belief of many that if Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had been the first prime minister of India the country would not have faced many problems," said Shah on the 147th birth anniversary of Patel, the first Home Minister of India.

(ANI)