CM Dr. Manik Saha credits PM Modi for giving Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel his due national honour during the Unity March in Agartala, marking Patel’s 150th birth anniversary and reaffirming India’s unity, integrity, and patriotic spirit.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha ceremonially flagged off the Unity March from the historic Ujjayanta Palace on Monday, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, widely revered as the “Iron Man of India.”
The march, organized as part of a nationwide tribute, symbolizes unity, strength, and the spirit of nation-building that Patel championed throughout his life.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha reflected on the legacy of Sardar Patel, stating that the Unity March is not merely a ceremonial event but a reaffirmation of the values Patel stood for — national integration, resilience, and unity in diversity.
He recalled that the “Run for Unity” initiative was first launched in 2014 to honor Patel’s contributions, and that the Statue of Unity — a 182-meter monument conceived by then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in 2010 and inaugurated in 2018 — stands as a towering tribute to Patel’s role in unifying 562 princely states into a cohesive Indian Union. The statue, located on Sadhu Bet Island in Gujarat’s Narmada River, was partly constructed using iron donated by farmers across India, symbolizing grassroots participation in national pride.
Dr. Saha emphasized that Patel envisioned a united, strong, and prosperous India, and believed that the country’s strength lies in its diversity. He warned against divisive forces, both internal and external, that continue to threaten India’s integrity, and called upon the youth to remain vigilant and committed to preserving national unity. “Those who seek to weaken our nation must be countered with resolve and awareness,” he said.
The Chief Minister further noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” is deeply inspired by Patel’s ideals. Today’s Unity March, held across the country, is a reflection of that vision — to instill patriotism, civic consciousness, and a sense of collective identity among the younger generation.
Highlighting Patel’s strategic brilliance, Dr. Saha explained how the former Deputy Prime Minister used diplomacy, persuasion, and firm action to integrate princely states, offering “Privy Purses” to royal families as incentives for accession. His efforts prevented the fragmentation of India and earned him the title “Architect of Modern India.”
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Dr. Saha concluded by stating that it was only after the formation of the BJP-led government under Prime Minister Modi that Sardar Patel received the national recognition he truly deserved. “No previous Prime Minister honored him with such depth and dignity,” he remarked.
