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Bhopal, October 31 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel on Friday paid tribute to the great freedom fighter Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th birth anniversary and administered the oath of ‘Unity Day’ to the Raj Bhavan employees.
The Governor, who is also from Gujarat, the home state of ‘Iron Man’ Vallabhbhai Patel, paid floral tributes in front of his portrait at an event, remembering his contribution in making India united and strong.
Raj Bhavan also organized the ‘Unity Day’ oath ceremony and all the officers and employees including Principal Secretary to the Governor Navneet Mohan Kothari, Additional Secretary Umashankar Bhargava participated in it.
“I pledge to dedicate myself to maintaining the unity, integrity and security of the Nation and endeavor to spread this message among fellow countrymen. I take this pledge in the spirit of unity of my country, which was made possible by the foresight and actions of Vallabhbhai Patel. I also solemnly pledge to contribute sincerely in ensuring the internal security of my country,” they all took the oath.
At a separate event, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ organized in Bhopal to celebrate National Unity Day and he recalled how the freedom fighter had received the title of ‘Sardar’ after his role in the Bardoli Satyagraha.
Yadav said, “After the Bardoli movement, Vallabhbhai Patel was known with the title of ‘Sardar’. After that, whether it was the Salt March or any other freedom movement which was started by Mahatma Gandhi. But Vallabhbhai Patel was the backbone of all the movements (during the freedom struggle) and ensured their success. All his steps are relevant even today.”
Bardoli, now located in Surat district of Gujarat, was part of the Bombay Presidency in British India. Bardoli Satyagraha site, the movement was started against the British in 1928 with the aim of protesting against the increased tax of 22 percent imposed on farmers.
–IANS
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