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Itanagar, Oct 31 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General KT Paranaik (Retd) on Friday said Vallabhbhai Patel possessed both the qualities of ‘power’ and ‘vishwas’ (confidence) which enabled him to unite a diverse land into a great nation.
Addressing the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) celebrations at Raj Bhawan in Itanagar, the Governor called upon everyone to embrace the spirit of ‘Nation First’ as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and contribute wholeheartedly in building a strong, united and developed India.
He urged the people of Arunachal Pradesh to take inspiration from the life of Vallabhbhai Patel and reiterate their commitment to maintain the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.
The day marks the 150th birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, whose vision and leadership played an important role in uniting the country.
The Governor, along with officers and staff of the Raj Bhavan, paid floral tributes to Vallabhbhai Patel, paying tribute to his enduring legacy of unity, integrity and nation-building.
In his address, Lieutenant General Paranayak (Retd) remembered Bharat Ratna Vallabhbhai Patel whose life is an eternal reminder that perseverance, integrity and dedication can bring about transformational change.
He said that Vallabhbhai Patel’s unwavering sense of duty and his fearless leadership should inspire today’s youth to lead with ethics, courage and clarity, especially in a world where moral values are constantly tested.
The Governor recalled that it was through the foresight and determination of Vallabhbhai Patel that Major Bob Ralengnao Khathing successfully integrated Tawang and Arunachal Pradesh into the Indian Union, thereby strengthening the borders and unity of the country.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday led the ‘Run for Unity’ organized by the state BJP on the occasion of ‘National Unity Day’ to commemorate the birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel.
The program highlighted Patel’s role in national integration and reinforced the message of unity and collective progress.
The unity race started from the BJP state headquarters in Vivek Vihar and ended at Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar.
Hundreds of BJP workers and supporters, including women, participated in the race, showing strong public participation in the national unity campaign.
BJP State President Kalinga Moyong, Assembly Vice President Cardo Nyigor and many senior leaders participated in the ‘Run for Unity’ programme.
–IANS
SC/And