Stating that India’s unity in diversity is the country’s identity and pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that this ought to be preserved and cherished by people. He added that when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel set out to integrate more than 500 princely states into the Indian union, it was this “feeling of unity” that inspired many princely states to accede to India.“Several centuries ago, Chanakya (the philosopher who was advisor to the emperor Chandragupta Maurya) united the country. After Chanakya, it was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who successfully united the country,” the PM remarked while presiding over the birth anniversary celebrations of Sardar Patel at Kevadiya on October 31. Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary is celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Divas. The PM added that India’s stature is growing across the world because of its unity and India is quickly claiming its rightful place among world economies as well because of its unique character of unity amid diversity.Sardar Patel integrated more than 500 princely states into the Republic of India, but was not directly entrusted with the task of annexing the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. “If the J&K issue were entrusted to Sardar Patel, the problem would not have lasted so long,” the PM said. Without mentioning Pakistan, PM Modi said that India’s unity is the biggest threat to the country’s adversaries. “Those who cannot win a war against us are attempting to break the unity of our country. But nobody has, and will ever succeed at these attempts,” said Modi. He added that the greatest tribute the country can pay to Sardar Patel is to ensure that 1,300 million Indians stay united. He added that more than 40,000 people had lost their lives to terrorism in three decades and Sardar Patel inspired him to take the decision to revoke Article 370.The PM said that all J&K and Ladakh employees will be eligible for 7th Pay Commission benefits. “The bifurcation will bring political stability to J&K; cooperative federalism will take root and new development projects like highways, railways and schools will take off,” said Modi. The PM read out a pledge urging people to preserve the unity, integrity and security of the nation.Earlier, an impressive parade called the Rashtriya Ekta Parade was held at Kevadiya. Apart from police personnel from five states including Gujarat, jawans from forces such as the NSG, CRPF, NDRF, CISF and BSF also showcased their talent. Reflecting on the government’s intention of integrating J&K into the country, a relatively large team of J&K police took part in the parade. Upon his arrival at Kevadiya, Modi offered floral tributes at the feet of the statue of Sardar Patel.Animals from Africa reach KevadiyaFive different species of animals have been brought from South Africa for the world-class zoo to be opened in Kevadiya, at the site of Statue of Unity. These animals include giraffes, zebra, impala, oryx and wildebeest. Special import cargo arrangements were made to transport these animals from South Africa to the Sardar Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. “A specialised Ethiopian cargo freighter aircraft was used to transport the animals. In total, 10 live animals were sent from Johannesburg in South Africa to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and from there to Ahmedabad,” said a top source at the SVPI airport.”“All the animals have been safely sent to Kevadiya. However, they cannot be immediately kept at the safari. There are certain protocols to be followed to ensure the animals, that are brought in from other countries, are in good health. Once the quarantine period is over, they will be gradually rehabilitated at the Jungle Safari in Kevadiya,” said Rajiv Gupta, managing director, Sardar Sarovar Nigam Limited.The world class zoo that is being developed at the Statue of Unity site, will be spread across a 1,300-acre plot. It will expand over seven levels and will have lions, tigers, leopards, 12 types of deer and antelopes, giraffes, zebras, rhinos and other exotic animals, among others. Sources confirmed that the zoo will be inaugurated within the next fortnight.The statue of Sardar Patel, hailed as the world’s tallest statue with a height of 182 metre, saw more than 26,00,000 tourists since its inauguration on October 31, 2018 generating revenues of over £5.5 million from sale of tickets.
