Raipur, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel became the Iron Man through his diligence and strong willpower. In the difficult conditions after independence, he built an undivided India by merging 562 princely states into India with his foresight and steely resolve. His contribution to the farmers’ struggle and the freedom movement was invaluable. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said this today at the National Unity Day program organized on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This program was organized by the Sports and Youth Welfare Department at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur. On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare Shri Arun Sao, Minister for Skill Development, Technical Education and Employment Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb, and MLA Shri Rajesh Moonat were present.
Recalling the great contribution of Sardar Patel on his 150th birth anniversary, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said, “Sardar Patel, with his vast vision and unwavering willpower, unified the fragmented princely states into one and built an undivided India.” Sardar Patel’s life is a symbol of the nation’s unity, integrity, and dedication. Many programs are being organized across the country today on his 150th birth anniversary. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh state has also been invited to the national program organized in Kevadiya, Gujarat, where the state has also set up a special stall. He said that ‘Run for Unity’ is not just a symbol of the country’s unity and integrity, but it also conveys the message of fitness and collective energy.
On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, while extending his best wishes on National Unity Day, said, “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel struggled hard against the British rule for the country’s independence and farmers’ rights.” His birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day to highlight his contribution. He said that Sardar Patel realized the concept of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sao announced that grand statues of Sardar Patel will be installed in all divisional headquarters of the state. For this, the Urban Administration and Development Department will provide an amount of Rs 50-50 lakh to the concerned urban bodies.
Chief Minister Shri Sai honored the family members of freedom fighters by presenting them with shawls and coconuts at the program. He reviewed the rangoli and paintings made by the participants and administered an oath to the attendees to adopt Swadeshi and use products made in India.
On the occasion of National Unity Day, along with ‘Run for Unity’, the Sports and Youth Welfare Department organized rangoli, painting, speech, and poetry recitation competitions for college students. Chief Minister Shri Sai presented prizes to the winners of the rangoli, painting, speech, and poetry recitation competitions and flagged off the participants of ‘Run for Unity’. He also flagged off the promotional vehicle for ‘Bastar Olympics’. This promotional vehicle will travel to all the districts of Bastar division to publicize the Bastar Olympics.
In the program, Secretary of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Shri Yashwant Kumar, in his welcome speech, provided information about the various programs being organized under ‘Sardar@150 Unity March’ on the occasion of Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary. He said that these programs will continue for the next one and a half months.
On this occasion, Director of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Mrs. Tanuja Salam, family members of freedom fighters, departmental officials, players, and a large number of college students were present.