Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that an attempt was made to erase and weaken the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He was deprived of Bharat Ratna for a long time. Flagging off the 'Run for Unity' before Patel's birth anniversary, he said that it was due to the foresight and acumen of the country's first Home Minister that more than 550 princely states merged into the Union of India. It is because of his efforts that the country has become united. Amit Shah said that it was because of Sardar Patel that Lakshadweep Islands, Junagadh, Hyderabad and all other princely states merged with India.
Deprived of Bharat Ratna for a long time
Addressing the participants at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi, Amit Shah said, 'An attempt was made to erase and weaken the legacy of Sardar Patel. He was also deprived of Bharat Ratna for a long time. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi (when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat) installed the tallest statue of Patel in Kevadiya, Gujarat. Sardar Patel was honored in a befitting manner.
Bharat Ratna given posthumously in 1991
Sardar Patel was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour, in 1991, 41 years after his death in 1950. Shah said that the people of the country are now united. He dedicated himself to fulfilling the Prime Minister's dream of making India a fully developed nation by 2047.
'Run for Unity' organized two days before Diwali
The Union Home Minister said, 'By 2047, India will be the leading country in the world in all parameters. Run for Unity is usually held on 31 October, Patel's birth anniversary. But this year it was organized two days earlier because Diwali is falling on that day.
Race organized on the occasion of Dhanteras
Sardar Patel was born on October 31, 1875
Let us tell you that Sardar Patel was born on October 31, 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat. He also became the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India. Patel is credited with merging more than 550 princely states into the Union of India. Various programs are being organized as part of the National Unity Day celebrations remembering the contribution of Sardar Patel in unifying India.
Last week, Amit Shah had announced that the government will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with a two-year nationwide program from 2024 to 2026 to honor his great contribution to the country.
Image Credit: India-Tv.