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Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the beginning of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or the National Day for Unity being celebrated across India on Tuesday. Patel, popularly referred to as the Iron Man of India’s freedom struggle, had played an instrumental role in protecting the unity of the country post-independence. The birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, 31 October, is being celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Modi along with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President M Venakiah Naidu and top BJP leaders including home minister Rajnath Singh paid floral tributes to Patel’s statue at Sardar Patel Chowk in the national capital, marking the beginning of the celebrations. Modi will flag off a special run, Run for Unity, on Tuesday, organised to mark the 142nd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi. Modi had already arrived at the stadium. The Run for Unity is expected to see the participation of 15,000 to 20,000 people including well-known sports personalities like PV Sindhu and Mithali Raj.
Earlier this morning, Modi had tweeted that Patel’s “service and monumental contribution to India can never be forgotten”.
We salute Sardar Patel on his Jayanti. His momentous service and monumental contribution to India can never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/t9TFeii3IP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2017
Modi had also paid tribute to the Patel in his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast, saying he laid the foundation of a “modern, united India”.
Patel, Modi had said, had ensured that millions of Indians were brought under the ambit of “one nation, one constitution” and his message of unity and patriotism was an inspiration for New India. “Translating a thought into reality was his forte. Sardar Patel took on the reins of weaving a unified India. He ensured that millions of Indians were brought under the ambit of one nation and one constitution,” Modi had said. “Wherever respectful coercion was needed, he proceeded gently. Wherever the use of force was imperative, he did not hesitate. He set a definite goal and moved forward on its path with grit and determination. It was only he who could achieve this task of uniting India.” Modi had remarked that Modi said Patel preached harmony and patriotism. “These lofty ideals of Sardar Sahab are relevant to and inspiring for our vision of a New India. That is why his birthday is celebrated as National Unity Day,” he had added.