India observed National Unity Day on October 31 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the country's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta paid floral tributes at Patel Chowk in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remembered Patel through a social media post, calling him the architect of a united India and the Iron Man of the country. Modi said Patel dedicated his life to building a strong, prosperous and capable nation. He added that Patel's sacrifice and commitment continue to inspire the vision of a developed and self-reliant India.
Run for Unity Organised in Delhi
As part of the celebrations, the Run for Unity was flagged off from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi. A large number of young people, students and volunteers participated in the event. The programme aimed to spread the message of national unity and remember Patel's contribution to bringing the country together after Independence. Amit Shah also addressed participants during the event and spoke about Patel's role in shaping modern India.
Amit Shah Highlights Patel’s Role in Uniting India
Amit Shah said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel changed not only India's history but also its geography. He recalled how Patel played a major role in bringing several princely states together after Independence. Shah said Patel laid the foundation for the map of an undivided India by uniting different regions like pearls in a single thread. According to the Home Minister, Patel worked for the geographical, political and cultural integration of the country and helped bring the nation together.
Target to Make India Drug-Free by 2029
During his address, Amit Shah announced a national target to make India completely drug-free by December 31, 2029. He appealed to people across the country to support the campaign against drug abuse. Shah said the vision of a developed India under Prime Minister Modi could begin with building a drug-free society. He also referred to the country's progress in tackling Naxalism and said India had moved towards a new phase of development.
Shah Mentions Article 370 and Other Decisions
The Home Minister also highlighted major decisions taken during Prime Minister Modi's tenure. These included the removal of Article 370, the steps taken against Naxalism and the implementation of One Nation, One Tax through the Goods and Services Tax system. Shah said these were important achievements, but creating a drug-free India would be especially significant for the country's youth and future generations.
Patel United India in 1,218 Days, Says Shah
Amit Shah recalled that several political experts around the world had predicted that India would break apart after Independence. However, he said Patel achieved what many considered impossible within 1,218 days of Independence. Shah argued that Patel's efforts brought the princely states together and laid the foundation of a united nation. He added that the India envisioned by Patel now stands proudly before the world.
