“130 crore countrymen together are building a nation” - PM Narendra Modi
On October 31, 2020, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Ekta Diwas Celebrations to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of “Loh Purush” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Kevadia, Gujarat. National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is celebrated in India on 31 October. It was introduced by the Government of India in 2014 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel.
He offered floral tributes at the Statue of Unity, administered the Ekta Pledge and witnessed the Ekta Diwas Parade. The Prime Minister also inaugurated projects on the integrated development of Kevadia which will help in boosting tourism in the region. He also said that tourists will now have the option to visit the ‘Statue of Unity’ made in the honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s through a sea-plane service as well.
The Prime Minister also witnessed a colorful parade of police forces of Gujarat State, the Central Reserve Armed Force, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Central Industrial Security Forces and National Security Guards. The parade also included a Rifle drill by the female officers of CRPF. The Jaguars of the Indian Air Force also performed a fly-past to mark the occasion. The Prime Minister witnessed a cultural event showcasing the tribal heritage of India on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta diwas. PM Modi also remarked that Valmiki Jayanti coincides with Ekta Diwas.
Addressing the nation, the PM said, “You see, when we had participated in the Ekta Run on this day last year, nobody had imagined that the entire humankind of the world would have to face this pandemic. This disaster came all of a sudden. It has affected human life all over the world and our progress. But the way the 130 crore countrymen have proved their collective strength and the will in the face of this epidemic is unprecedented. There is no precedent of this in history.”
New dimensions of Unity
The Prime Minister said now Kashmir has moved on a new path of development, leaving behind the obstacles that were coming in the development of Kashmir. He said, “The country has also seen the spread of the yagya that was started by Sardar Patel to restore India’s cultural glory through the reconstruction of Somnath in Ayodhya. Today, the country has become witness to the Supreme Court verdict on Ram Temple and is witnessing the construction of the majestic Ram Temple as well.”
AatmaNirbhar Bharat
The Prime Minister acknowledged that 130 crore countrymen together are building a nation that is both strong and capable, in which there should be equality and there are also opportunities. He said only a self-sufficient country can be confident of its progress as well as its security.
Unity against Terrorism
Addressing the issue that some people have come out in support of terrorism is a matter of global concern today, he said, “Nobody can benefit from terrorism and violence. India has been a victim of terrorism for the last several decades. India has lost thousands of its brave soldiers, thousands of its innocent citizens, many mothers have lost their sons and many sisters have lost their brothers. India fully understands the pain of terrorism. India has always responded to terrorism with unity and strong will. Today, the entire world has to defeat each of those powers which are with terrorism and which encourage terrorism collectively.”
Pulwama attack
The Prime Minister said he was reminded of Pulwama attack while watching the parade of paramilitary forces during the event. He further stated that, “I will make a special request to these people and political parties in front of this giant statue of this great man that please don’t do such politics, desist from it in the interest of the country’s security and the morale of our security forces. You will not be able to do any good to the country or to your party by playing into the hands of anti-national forces for your selfishness knowingly or unknowingly.”
