Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Statue of Unity in Gujarat to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 149th birth anniversary. Along with participating in the Unity Parade Ground event, PM Modi also marked the day's significance as it coincides with Diwali, showing India's global connect. In line with Patel's vision, he reaffirmed the government's commitment to national unity and progress through initiatives like One Nation One Election and Uniform Civil Code.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: The Iron Man of India
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India, was one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement. He played a pivotal role in the unification of the country after independence and is considered the architect of modern India.
Statue of Unity: A Symbol of National Unity
In 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, which is dedicated to Sardar Patel. The world's tallest statue at 182 meters, it symbolizes the unity and strength of the Indian nation. The statue is surrounded by the Statue of Unity Garden, which features various attractions and facilities.
149th Birth Anniversary and Diwali Celebrations
On October 31, 2022, the 149th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel coincided with the festival of Diwali. Prime Minister Modi visited the Statue of Unity to honor Patel and mark the significance of the day. He also participated in the Unity Parade Ground event and reaffirmed the government's commitment to national unity.
Initiatives in Line with Patel's Vision
As part of his vision for a united and strong India, Patel had advocated for initiatives such as:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: What was Sardar Patel's role in the Indian independence movement?
A: He was a key leader who negotiated with princely states and played a crucial role in unifying India after independence.
Q2: What is the significance of the Statue of Unity?
A: It represents the unity, strength, and vision of Sardar Patel for a modern and prosperous India.
Q3: How did Prime Minister Modi honor Patel on his birth anniversary?
A: He visited the Statue of Unity, participated in the Unity Parade Ground event, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to national unity.
Q4: What are the major initiatives proposed in line with Patel's vision?
A: One Nation One Election and Uniform Civil Code.
Q5: Why is Sardar Patel celebrated on Diwali?
A: His birthday coincides with Diwali, a festival that signifies victory over darkness and evil.
The Indian National Congress (INC) has announced its plans to launch a month-and-a-half-long campaign in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The purpose of the campaign is to demand the restoration of statehood and to further the “Save the Constitution” movement. With the recent appointment of Syed Naseer Hussain as the new J&K in-charge, the party hopes to regain its lost support in the Union Territory. This campaign comes at a crucial time, as former supporters of the Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad have recently dissolved their party, raising questions about their political future. The Congress hopes to use this opportunity to highlight the BJP's failures in empowering elected governments and its betrayal over statehood.
Thousands of citizens in Pune are rallying together through an online petition to demand the protection of their city's hills and hill slopes from any construction. The petition is addressed to the former Pune Municipal Commissioner and Chairman of the state-appointed Committee on Bio-Diversity Park and Hill Top Hill Slopes. The citizens are concerned that the committee's review may result in allowing construction on the hills, while strict measures have already been mandated by the government to prevent it. The citizens stress the importance of preserving these natural areas for the city's ecological balance and urge the government to uphold its promise to future generations.
After the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. This decision was made during a key meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with discussions on potential actions being taken against Pakistan. As tensions between the two countries continue to escalate, Indian leaders have condemned Pakistan for their involvement in the attack and have vowed to take strong measures in response.
The Indian Army made its first major move since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, as they killed top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Altaf Lalli in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district. The security forces are on the hunt for the terrorists responsible for the brutal killing of 26 civilians and have launched a massive anti-terror operation. In other developments, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Srinagar for a security review meeting and the authorities demolished the houses of two suspected terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack.
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