Tripura CM Manik Saha commemorated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 151st birth anniversary by inaugurating Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations in Agartala. He highlighted Patel’s historic role in integrating 562 princely states and urged citizens to protect national unity and integrity.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a shining symbol of national unity, solidarity and integrity. His outstanding contribution to maintaining the unity and integrity of the country after independence remains memorable. He was known as the Iron Man of India for his steadfastness, said Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha while inaugurating the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas programme, organised on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala today.
The programme began with the reading of the pledge and the administration of the oath on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Saha said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had integrated 562 princely states into India between 1947 and 1949. This difficult task was made possible by the strong and decisive steps taken by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The Chief Minister also said that, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and honour the path shown by him, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas has been celebrated across the country since October 31, 2014. One of the objectives of celebrating this day is to strengthen national unity and inspire citizens to protect the integrity of the country.
He said that India is a vast and diverse country. Despite differences in language, culture, traditions and ways of life, the country upholds the identity of unity in diversity.
“Unity in this diversity is our strength. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all of us to protect the unity and integrity of the country,” he said.
The Chief Minister called upon the people of the state to draw inspiration from the ideals of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and commit themselves to protecting the unity, solidarity and integrity of the country.
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Scheduled Caste Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das, MLA Antara Sarkar Deb, MLA Minarani Sarkar, Secretary of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department Kiran Gitte, Secretary of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department Tapas Roy, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, and other senior officials were present at the event.
The Unity Run started from Swami Vivekananda Maidan and concluded at Umakanta Mini Stadium.
