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Ahmedabad, Oct 31 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday flagged off the ‘Sardar@150 Unity March’ organized by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Iron Man of India and architect of national unity Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
At the programme, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes at the statue of Sardar Patel at Sardar Patel Colony, Narangpura, before leading the march, which started at 7.30 am and ended at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Ashram Road, passing through Sardar Patel Stadium Road and CG Road.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Patel said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a true tribute to Sardar Patel through the construction of the Statue of Unity, which is now a global symbol of India’s pride and strength. “Run for Unity has become a means to bind the nation together through the spirit of unity,” he said, urging citizens to make indigenous products a part of daily life to build a developed India (Developed India) through self-reliant India.
Recalling Sardar Patel’s important role in unifying 562 princely states after Independence, the Chief Minister said, “It was Sardar Patel who laid the foundation of a united India and under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah carried forward that legacy by abrogating Article 370 to strengthen the unity and integrity of India.”
He said that since 2014, under the guidance of the Prime Minister, Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day across the country, symbolizing the unity and collective strength of India. “Today’s unity march reflects the enduring ideals of national unity and solidarity,” he said.
Highlighting Gujarat’s growing pride in self-reliance, CM Patel remarked that the enthusiasm to buy indigenous goods this Diwali reflects the spirit of patriotism seen during India’s freedom struggle. “Let us all remember Sardar Saheb and commit ourselves to building a united, self-reliant and developed India,” he urged.
During the programme, CM Patel, dignitaries and hundreds of citizens took the Ekta Pratigya (Unity Pledge), reaffirming their commitment towards national unity.
Welcoming the participants, Mayor Pratibha Jain said, “We have gathered in this unity march on the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pay true tribute to Sardar Patel. This march has created a new feeling of patriotism and unity among the people.” He said the march also aims to promote the vision of ‘Medhasvita Mukt, Tandurast Gujarat’ (drug-free and healthy Gujarat).
The march saw enthusiastic participation of Minister of State Darshan Vaghela, MP, MLA, Deputy Mayor Jatin Patel, Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani, leader Gaurang Prajapati, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, Police Commissioner GS Malik, District Collector Sujit Kumar, District Development Officer Videh Khare, Gujarat Vidyapeeth Vice Chancellor Dr Harshad Patel, corporators, youth, sportspersons, students and a large number of citizens.
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation organized Unity March as part of National Unity Day celebrations to reinforce the message of ‘One India, Self-reliant India’.
–IANS
janvi/dpb