PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
Defence minister Rajanath Singh and chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Sardar Gatha programme in Sadhali, Vadodara in Gujarat on Tuesday. The programme is the part of the ‘Sardar@150 Unity March’ initiative of honouring first home minister Sardar Vallabhbahi Patel on his 150th birth anniversary.
Paying tribute to Patel on behalf of all the people of Uttarakhand, the CM said that he fulfilled the dream of a united India through his indomitable will, vision and unwavering dedication. He said that inspired by Sardar Patel, the Uttarakhand government has implemented the Uniform Civil Code in the state which aims to ensure equal rights and laws for all citizens.
Describing Patel as the architect of modern India, Dhami said that his struggle against injustice in the Kheda and Bardoli peasant movements made him popular in India. He dedicated his entire life to serving the nation.
He said that by abolishing article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fulfilled the resolve of Sardar Patel and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee for one country, one law, and one constitution. Dhami said that the PM commissioned the construction of the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, in Kevadia, Gujarat.
He said that Patel integrated 562 princely states into India by dialogue, love, determination and fearlessness. He said PM Modi has paid true tribute to Sardar Patel by deciding to celebrate his birth anniversary as National Unity Day. “Inspired by Sardar Patel, the PM is working to elevate India’s unity, integrity and national pride to new heights with the mantra of “One India, Best India,’’ he said.
The CM said that as part of the Sardar@150 Unity March, the Uttarakhand government organized Ekta Yatras in every district of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand and he himself participated in the Yatra at four locations. He added that during these Yatras, various public issues were resolved by organizing public dialogue programmes in villages. Important initiatives have also been taken toward environmental protection by developing Sardar Upvans in various villages. Urging everyone to follow Sardar Patel’s ideals, Dhami said that top priority should be given to the nation’s unity and integrity.
Governor of Punjab Gulabchand Kataria, union Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya and others also attended the programme.
