The leader played a major role in unifying the then British Provinces and more than 500 Independent Princely States, under the Indian Independence Act, 1947, making the country a strong Nation and a United India
KRC TIMES Manipur Bureau
Manipur observed National Unity Day 2020 (Rashtiya Ekta Diwas) on Saturday to commemorate the 145th Birth Anniversary of Late Sadar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, at 1st Bn. Manipur Rifles Parade Ground.
Delivering his speech as Chief Guest, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that National Unity Day is being observed on 31st October every year to honour the contribution made by Sadar Vallabhbhai Patel in Nation building. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government has been observing the National Unity Day throughout the Country since 2014, he added.
N. Biren Singh recalled that Sadar Patel was one of the greatest freedom fighters who had participated in various freedom struggles against the oppressive rule of the British. As a national leader, he took part in many freedom struggle movement like Peasant Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement among others under the Gandhian Principle, he added.
He further stated that Sadar Patel served as Deputy Prime Minister after Indian Independence and took a great role in providing relief and rehabilitation to refugees. He is still known as Patron Saint of India’s Civil Servant for introducing Modern All India Services System. Apart from this, the leader played a major role in unifying the then British Provinces and more than 500 Independent Princely States, under the Indian Independence Act, 1947, making the country a strong Nation and a United India.
Chief Minister maintained that the observance of National Unity Day gives a message to everyone that despite differences in cultures and traditions amongst various inhabitants of the country, we can build a strong nation defending our unity, integrity and security by following the path of our great leaders. He added that the State Government had been taking up certain steps to bridge the gap between hill and valley regions and move forward to bring inclusive development in the State.
Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, N. Biren Singh said that his Government is still taking up many developmental works despite certain hindrances faced due to the pandemic. The State Government had been coordinating with various Civil Society Organisations to contain the spread of the pandemic. In this regard, a new Standard Operating Procedure(SOP) will be issued soon. He appealed to the public to strictly comply with the SOP as prevention from the pandemic depends much on the commitment of each individual to fight the deadly virus successfully.
As a part of the observance, the Chief Minister led the Deputy Chief Minister, Y. Joykumar Singh, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, top civil, police officers and others, who took part in the observation, in administering the National Unity pledge.
Chief Minister also took salute from five marching contingents including BSF contingent, CRPF contingent, 1st Bn. Manipur Rifles, Civil Police Imphal West (male) and 9th IR(Mahila) Battalion and combined band platoons of 1st Manipur Rifles band, 2nd Manipur Rifles band and Home Guard (Male & Female) Combined band. The marching parade was commanded by L. Kunjeshwor Sharma, MPS, Asstt. Commandant, 6th Bn. Manipur Rifles.
