Ekta Naga: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had wanted to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir with India, just as he did with other princely states, but former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru did not allow it to happen.
Speaking after the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade near the Statue of Unity in Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar, Modi said, “Sardar Patel believed that one should not waste time writing history but should work hard to create it. He wanted to unite the entire Kashmir, but Nehru ji stopped his wish from being fulfilled. As a result, Kashmir was divided, given a separate Constitution and flag — and the nation suffered for decades because of the Congress’ mistake.”
The Prime Minister said the policies and decisions taken by Sardar Patel laid the foundation of a united India. “After Independence, the impossible task of uniting over 550 princely states was made possible by Sardar Patel. For him, the idea of ‘One India, Excellent India’ was supreme,” he said.
Quoting Patel, Modi added, “Sardar Patel once said his greatest joy came from serving the nation. I want to tell every citizen that there is no greater happiness than dedicating oneself to the service of the nation.”
Modi urged people to take a pledge on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to rid the country of infiltrators. “The unity and internal security of our nation face a serious threat from infiltrators who have been entering the country for decades and disturbing its demographic balance,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s efforts against Naxalism, Modi asserted that the campaign against Maoist violence would continue until it is completely eradicated.
Lashing out at the Congress, Modi said the party had inherited a “slave mentality” from the British. “India is now removing every trace of colonial mindset. Every thought or action that weakens our unity must be rejected — that is the need of the hour,” he said.
Before addressing the gathering, Modi reviewed the National Unity Day parade, which saw participation from police and paramilitary contingents commanded entirely by women officers. Units from the BSF, CISF, ITBP, CRPF, SSB, and police forces of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh took part, along with the National Cadet Corps (NCC).
The parade also featured 16 BSF personnel awarded gallantry medals for their role in Operation Sindoor. Indian-bred dogs, including the Mudhol hound Riya—winner of the All-India Police Dog Competition—displayed their skills alongside Rampur hounds.
A spectacular air show by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, a motorcycle stunt display by Assam Police, and a camel-mounted band by the BSF were among the highlights.
Ten tableaux from various states, Union Territories, and national forces including the NSG and NDRF showcased the spirit of India’s “unity in diversity.”
