National Unity Day: Tripura Honours Sardar Patel's Legacy

Agartala: Marking National Unity Day, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, calling him a symbol of national unity, solidarity and integrity.

Saha said Patel's contribution to the country's integration after Independence was remarkable and would always be remembered. He added that Patel's firm resolve and decisive leadership had earned him the title 'Iron Man of India.'

The Chief Minister made the remarks at a National Unity Day event held at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala. The programme commemorated the 151st birth anniversary of Patel.

A pledge on national unity, integrity and security was administered at the start of the event, reaffirming the participants' commitment to these values.

Saha recalled that between 1947 and 1949, Patel had a historic role in merging 562 princely states into the Indian Union. He termed it a challenging task accomplished through determination, foresight and strong leadership.

The Chief Minister said the government of India has observed National Unity Day every year on October 31 since 2014. The purpose is to honour Patel's role in nation-building, strengthen national unity and encourage citizens to protect the country's unity and integrity.

Saha underlined that India is a land of people with different languages, cultures, traditions and lifestyles. Despite these variations, he said, unity in diversity is the nation's core strength. 'Unity in diversity is our strength, so protecting the unity and integrity of the country is the responsibility of every citizen,' he stated.

He urged the people of Tripura to draw lessons from Patel's ideals and principles and to uphold national unity, solidarity and integrity.

Several dignitaries attended the programme, including Scheduled Castes Welfare Minister Sudhanshu Das, MLAs Antara Sarkar Deb and Minarani Sarkar, Information and Cultural Affairs Secretary Kiran Gitte, Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary Tapas Roy, West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar and other senior officials.

The event also featured a Unity Run that started at Swami Vivekananda Maidan and ended at Umakanta Mini Stadium. Participants echoed the message of national unity and solidarity along the route.