Achi news desk-
Jammu, October 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that the strength of unity and united efforts helped bring down “the wall of Article 370, which stood between Kashmir and the rest of the country”, allowing people there to “breathe free air”.
He was addressing the gathering at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebration event in Kevadia, Gujarat after paying homage to Sardar Patel at the Statue of Unity on his birthday.
Highlighting the power of ‘Sabka Prayas’ (united efforts), the Prime Minister talked about the abrogation of Article 370 and said, “Who would have thought that Kashmir could ever be free from Article 370? Today the wall of Article 370 that stood between Kashmir and the rest of the country has been demolished and this must have pleased Sardar Sahab, wherever he is. He would bless us all.”
“Today my brothers and sisters in Kashmir have come out from the shadow of terrorism and have been breathing free air. They live a free life and contribute to the progress of the country,” PM Modi said.
He pointed out that the biggest obstacle in India’s journey of development was the politics of appeasement.
“It has been witnessed over the past decades that those who devote themselves to the politics of appeasement also turn a blind eye towards terrorism and stand with the enemies of humanity,” said the Prime Minister and warned against such thinking which endangered the unity of the country.
Regarding the ongoing and upcoming elections, he warned against the “faction that was devoid of positive politics and indulging in anti-social and anti-national activities.”
“We must always continue our efforts to maintain the unity of the country in order to achieve the goal of a developed India. Whatever area we are in, we have to give it our 100 per cent. This is the only way to give a better future to the generations to come,” the Prime Minister added.
Earlier, it witnessed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade featuring a contingent of BSF and various state police forces, a daredevil show by all women CRPF Bikers, a female pipe band of BSF, a choreography program by Gujarat women police, a special NCC show, an exhibition school bands, flown by the Indian Air Force, showcasing the economic viability of vibrant villages, among others.
PM Modi said that Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrated the strength of unity of India’s youth and its warriors.
“In a way, I can witness the form of a small India,” he emphasized.
The Prime Minister emphasized that, although the languages, states and traditions are different, every person in the country is woven into a strong thread of unity.
“The beads are enough, but the garland is one. Although we are diverse, we are united,” he said.
Just as August 15 and January 26 are recognized as Independence and Republic days, the Prime Minister emphasized that October 31 “has become a festival of unity throughout the nation.”
“The Unity Statue represents the ideals of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” he said.
The First Minister noted the contributions of citizens in building the statue and gave examples of farmers who donated their equipment.
He also talked about combining soil from different parts of India for the construction of the Unity Wall.
PM Modi reiterated that the next 25 years were the most important 25 years of this century for the nation as India was to become a prosperous and developed country during this period.
He called for the same spirit of dedication to the country that was witnessed in the 25 years just before Independence.
The Prime Minister noted India’s rising profile in the world.
“We feel proud as we are taking the status of the largest democracy to new heights,” he said.
PM Modi talked about India’s strong position in security, economy, science, indigenous defense production, and global corporate leadership that is being provided by Indians in key global companies and sports.
Referring to the promise of moving forward and giving up the mentality of slavery, he said that India is growing as well as preserving its heritage. “
The Prime Minister talked about removing colonial insignia from the Navy Flag, weeding out unnecessary laws from the colonial era, replacing the IPC and Netaji’s statue adorning India Gate replacing colonial representatives.
Continuing with the upcoming issues, he also talked about the Sardar Sarovar Dam which was pending for 5-6 decades but was completed in the last few years.
The Chief Minister referred to the transformation of Kevadia – Ekta Nagar as an example of Sankalp se Siddhi.
“Today Ekta Nagar is recognized as a global green city,” he said.
PM Modi said, “Today, the whole world recognizes India’s unwavering resolve and the courage and resilience of its people.”
While the world is inspired by that, he warned against certain trends.
Throwing light on the geopolitical instability in today’s world, the Prime Minister highlighted the crumbling economies of multiple nations after the COVID pandemic where inflation and unemployment were at their peak during the last 30-40 years.
Under such circumstances, the Prime Minister emphasized that India is continuously moving forward in creating new records and measures.
He said that the positive effect of the policies and decisions taken by the government in the last 9 years could be seen today.
PM Modi said that more than 13.5 crore Indians have come out of poverty in the last 5 years alone. Urging the citizens to maintain stability in the country, he said that the efforts of 140 crore citizens who have brought India on the path of development should not go in waste.
“We must keep an eye on the future and continue our determination to achieve national goals,” added the Prime Minister.
Referring to Iron Man Sardar Patel’s unwavering concern for internal security, he listed the steps taken in the last 9 years in this regard and how the challenges were being firmly met by depriving forces of destruction with the success they enjoyed earlier.
PM Modi emphasized the need to be vigilant against the attacks on the unity of the nation.
He also informed about a national competition on Sardar Patel on MyGov.
