Sardar Patel deprived of Bharat Ratna, efforts made to erase legacy: Shah

He further said that it is unfortunate that for years attempts were made to forget Sardar Patel

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that efforts were made to erase and undermine Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's legacy and he was deprived of Bharat Ratna for a long time.

Flagging off a 'Run for Unity', ahead of the birth anniversary of Patel, he said it was due to the foresightedness and acumen of the country's first home minister that over 550 princely states were merged with the Union of India and the country became united.

He said it was because of Sardar Patel that the Lakshadweep Islands, Junagarh, Hyderabad and all other princely states were merged with India.

"But there were efforts to erase and undermine the legacy of Sardar Patel. He was also deprived of Bharat Ratna for a long time," Shah said while addressing the participants at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here.

However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi (when he was the chief minister of Gujarat) had installed the tallest statue of Patel in Kevadia and honoured him in a befitting manner, he said.

Sardar Patel was bestowed with Bharat Ratna -- the country's highest civilian award -- posthumously in 1991, 41 years after his death in 1950.

Shah said the people of the country are now united and have dedicated themselves to fulfilling the prime minister's dream of turning India into a fully developed nation by 2047.

"By 2047, India will be the leading country in the world in all parameters," he said.

The home minister said the 'Run for Unity' is normally organised on October 31, the birth anniversary of Patel. But this year, it was organised two days ahead as Deepawali is falling on that day, he said.

"Today is Dhanteras and we are organising the run on this auspicious occasion," the home minister said.

The Modi government has been observing October 31 as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' or National Unity Day since 2014 to foster and reinforce its dedication to preserving and strengthening the unity, integrity and security of the nation.

Patel was born on October 31, 1875, at Nadiad in Gujarat.

As India's first home minister and deputy prime minister, Patel is credited for the merger of over 550 princely states into the Union of India.

Various programmes, recalling Sardar Patel's contribution to unifying India, are being organised as part of the National Unity Day celebrations.

Last week, Shah announced that the government would commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with a two-year-long nationwide programme from 2024 to 2026 to honour his monumental contribution to the country.  Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said Tuesday as also flagged off the 'Run for Unity' event. He said the vision of 'Akhand Bharat' given by Sardar Patel is being strengthened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

The marathon, which began at the official residence of the chief minister and concluded at the K D Singh Babu Stadium, saw enthusiastic participation from hundreds of people, including youths and children, according to an official statement.

The chief minister interacted with young participants and distributed chocolates to them.

The Modi government has been observing the birth anniversary of the country's first home minister as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' or National Unity Day since 2014 to foster and reinforce its dedication to preserving and strengthening the unity, integrity and security of the nation.

Reflecting on Sardar Patel's contributions to India's Independence and the unity of modern India, Adityanath noted that he dismantled the British conspiracy by integrating over 563 princely states into the Republic of India.

"From the Nawab of Junagadh to the Nizam of Hyderabad, he compelled everyone to recognise the importance of a united India. The vision of Akhand Bharat given to us by Sardar Patel is being strengthened under Prime Minister Modi's leadership," he said.

"This occasion reminds us to unite and dedicate ourselves to serving the country," Adityanath said.

Patel was born on October 31, 1875, at Nadiad in Gujarat. As India's first home minister and deputy prime minister, he is credited for the merger of over 550 princely states into the Union of India.

The event on Tuesday was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Girish Chandra Yadav, and several other ministers and senior state government officials.

Adityanath announced that a series of events will be organized across Uttar Pradesh and the entire country over the next year to promote unity and brotherhood while advancing Sardar Patel's ideals.

"This year, National Unity Day holds special significance. To honour Sardar Patel on his 150th birth anniversary, a series of events will be organized across Uttar Pradesh and the entire country from October 31, 2024, to October 31, 2025," he said.

The chief minister also extended his greetings to the people of Uttar Pradesh on Dhanvantari Jayanti, highlighting the importance of health in societal empowerment.

"Health is fundamental to the development of society. A healthy society strengthens the nation. The Run for Unity not only benefits our health but also fortifies Sardar Patel's vision of a united India," he said.