Prim Minister Narendra Modi attended the National Unity Day celebration at the Statue of Unity near Kevadia in Gujarat. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of India's first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel on the occasion.
At the event organised on the occasion, PM Modi led the oath for the integrity, unity and security of the nation. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said that the day would foster unity and brotherhood in society. He acknowledged the diverse yet unified crowd, stating, “The state is different, the language is different, the tradition is different, but every person present here is united. It is connected with a strong thread...”
PM Modi also emphasised the educational aspect of the event, noting that visitors to Ekta Nagar not only witnessed the impressive Statue of Unity but also gained insights into Sardar Patel’s life and his contributions to shaping a united India. He said, “Those coming to Ekta Nagar not only get to witness this grand statue (Statue of Unity), but also get a glimpse into Sardar Patel's life, sacrifices, and his contributions to building One India.”
He highlighted the significance of the next 25 years for India’s development, emphasising the need to transform the country into a developed nation.
Launches MY Bharat platform
PM Modi launched the MY Bharat platform on occasion of Sardar Patel's birth anniversary. Modi discussed the 'MY Bharat’ platform (MY stands for 'Mera Yuva') during the latest episode of 'Mann Ki Baat.' MY Bharat initiative aims to empower Indian Youth via social mobility, educational equity and practical skills. According to the official website of MY Bharat, it is an autonomous body that is being set up by the government of India to offer a technology-powered mechanism for the growth of youth. This MY Bharat mechanism works in the direction of providing equitable access to opportunities for youth to realise their aspirations and build an Amrit Bharat by 2047.
This platform will connect Indian youth with programmes and learning opportunities in different fields like business, government departments and non-profit organisations. The engagement of the youth with such opportunities will help them to understand the local community issues, and it would also allow them to help in generating constructive solutions.
Addresses people as family members
PM Modi set the tone for his two-day visit to the state on Monday by addressing the crowd as members of his family. He began his visit to the state by visiting the famous Ambaji temple. PM Modi reached Ahmedabad on Monday morning and then headed to Chikhla, a village near Ambaji, by a helicopter. Thousands of people lined the road when the PM’s convoy reached the temple town in Banaskantha district of North Gujarat.
After offering prayers at Ambaji, Modi left for Dabhoda village in Kheralu taluka of Mehsana for a public function. Modi thanked the state government for facilitating his entry into the rally venue at Kheralu in an open vehicle. “I got a chance to see many of my childhood friends. When you come back to your hometown, it gives you satisfaction and a chance to be thankful,” Modi said. He referred to the people as “mara parivar jano” or family members.
Development projects
Modi said in Kheralu that India’s rapid strides in development and the fact that the country’s growth story is being discussed across the world are because of the power of the people who have elected a stable government. Addressing a public rally after inaugurating and laying foundation stones of several development projects worth £595 million, Modi added that when he resolves to do something, he delivers it.
The PM inaugurated railway projects, including new sections of Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), doubling of Viramgam-Samakhiali rail line, as well as a project for recharge of rural lakes, construction of a barrage on the Sabarmati river, and projects for drinking water and sewage water treatment.
Modi said so far work on the 2,500-km route of the eastern and western dedicated freight corridor has been completed in the last nine years, because of which both passenger and goods trains are reaping benefits.
Chairs meeting of Somnath Trust
Modi, the chairman of Shree Somnath Trust, chaired a meeting of the board which manages the affairs of the famous Somnath temple in Gujarat. The trust said Modi’s tenure as the chairman was extended by another five years.