Chief Minister Dhami Joins Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Sardar@150 Unity March in Gujarat
SADHLI, VADODARA: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, along with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, participated in the Sardar Gatha programme held under the Sardar@150 Unity March on Tuesday in Sadhli, Vadodara, Gujarat.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dhami paid heartfelt tribute to Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, saying he was the driving force behind the vision of an undivided India. He described Sardar Patel as the architect of modern India, whose firm resolve, visionary leadership, and lifelong dedication to national service shaped the foundation of the nation. The Chief Minister recalled Patel’s historic contributions to the Kheda and Bardoli farmers’ movements, through which he emerged as a symbol of justice and people’s empowerment.
Highlighting Sardar Patel’s pivotal role in unifying the nation, the Chief Minister said that with courage, compassion, and strong leadership, Patel successfully integrated 562 princely states into the Indian Union. Dhami added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid a true homage to Sardar Patel by declaring his birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) and taking forward his ideals in nation-building.
Dhami said the Prime Minister has carried forward Sardar Patel’s legacy with the mantra of “One India, Great India”, strengthening national unity, integrity, and pride. He further noted that by abrogating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister fulfilled the vision of Sardar Patel and Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee for one nation, one constitution, one law. The construction of the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, and the nationwide Run for Unity have also inspired millions, especially the youth, to follow Sardar Patel’s path.
The Chief Minister informed the audience that as part of the Sardar@150 Unity March, the Uttarakhand government organized Unity Marches in every district. He himself participated in four major marches across Devbhoomi. The campaign was used as an opportunity to engage youth on issues like drug de-addiction, yoga, and health, while cooperative fairs were conducted to promote local handicrafts and indigenous products.
Dhami added that during the march, public dialogue programmes were held in gram sabhas to address local issues, and significant steps were taken towards environmental conservation through the creation of Sardar Upvans (Sardar Gardens) in several villages. He said the Uttarakhand government, inspired by Sardar Patel’s ideals and guided by the Prime Minister’s leadership, has implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to ensure equal rights and uniform laws for all citizens.
The Chief Minister praised the Central Government for celebrating the Sardar@150 Unity March as a national festival aimed at spreading Sardar Patel’s message of unity and harmony across India. He appealed to citizens to adopt Patel’s ideals, prioritize national unity above caste, region, community, and language, and work with dedication to strengthen the nation.
The event was attended by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Union Health and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, and several other dignitaries.
