President Ram Nath Kovind, vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu, PM Narendra Modi, Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Hardeep Singh Puri paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel. Photo: PIBNew Delhi: Prime minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed "previous governments" for ignoring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's legacy to unite the country.
"India is a country full of diversity. 'Unity in Diversity' is our specialty," Modi said while flagging off the 'Run for Unity' on the birth anniversary of the first deputy prime minister at the Dhyan Chand Stadium here.
Apparently targeting previous governments led by the Congress party, Modi said: "People earlier tried their best to ensure that the contribution of Sardar Patel was forgotten and diminished."
"But the people and the youth of India respects him and his contribution towards the building of our nation," the prime minister said.
Highlighting the contribution of Patel, Modi said: "Using his skills, and determination Sardar Patel saved India from the problems that emerged soon after Partition.
"He ensured India did not remain split into small princely states."
Modi also emphasized that "our country should remain one". "The country that Patel has given, retaining its unity is the responsibility of all Indians."
"Therefore, all generations should know how he maintained that unity. We are celebrating his birth anniversary as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas'," Modi said.
"We salute Sardar Patel on his Jayanti. His momentous service and monumental contribution to India can never be forgotten," he said.
Referring to the nation's first president Rajendra Prasad, Modi said: "Today his soul will be happy to know that Sardar Patel has not been forgotten."
Modi also remembered former prime minister Indira Gandhi on her 33rd death anniversary.
PM flags off 'Run for Unity'
The 'Run for Unity', which began from the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, saw the participation of a large number of people, including sports personalities like Sardar Singh, Deepa Karmakar, Suresh Raina and Karnam Malleswari.
The 1.5 km run here came to an end near the India Gate C-Hexagon-Shah Jahan Road radial.
Earlier, president Ram Nath Kovind, vice-president M. Venkaiah Naidu, prime minister, and home minister Rajnath Singh visited Patel's statue located at the Parliament street and offered floral tributes.
The central government observes October 31 all over the country as a day of special occasion to foster and reinforce the government's dedication to preserve and strengthen unity, integrity and security of the nation by celebrating it as a 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.
Several union ministers, senior officials and others also participated in the event.
Hockey player Sardar Singh said 'Run for Unity' is a commendable initiative to showcase country's unity and integrity.
Gymnast Deepa Karmakar said she was proud to be part of the run, which is being organized to remember the contributions of Patel in unifying the country.
