NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s dream of a unified India by abrogating Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Shah made the remarks while flagging off the Run for Unity at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, India’s first Home Minister. The annual event is held as part of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) celebrations across the country.
Addressing the gathering, the Home Minister recalled the
circumstances following India’s independence, when the country was divided into
562 princely states. “At that time, the entire world thought that it would be
impossible to unite these 562 princely states into one nation. However, within
a short span of time, Sardar Patel accomplished the monumental task of
integrating all 562 princely states and the map of modern India that we see
today is the result of his vision and efforts,” Mr Shah said. He added that the
government led by Prime Minister Modi had carried forward Patel’s mission by
removing Article 370 in 2019, thereby fully integrating Jammu and Kashmir with
the rest of the nation. “By abrogating Article 370, Prime Minister Modi has
realised Sardar Patel’s dream of a truly unified India,” Mr Shah remarked.
The Home Minister also urged citizens to emulate Sardar
Patel’s spirit of nationalism and unity. He emphasised that the Run for Unity
symbolises the country’s collective strength and the resolve to preserve its
integrity.
Participants from various walks of life joined the run,
which began from the stadium and passed through central Delhi, echoing the
theme of unity and solidarity. The event concluded with patriotic songs and the
Ekta Diwas pledge reaffirming the nation’s commitment to oneness.
