Bharat Mata ki – Jai!
Bharat Mata ki – Jai!
Bharat Mata ki – Jai!
The inspiring words of Sardar Sahib... this grand event near the Statue of Unity... the breathtaking view of Ekta Nagar, and the magnificent performances here... a glimpse of Mini India... everything is so incredible, so inspiring. Just like August 15 and January 26... this event on October 31 fills the entire nation with new energy. I extend my heartfelt greetings to all citizens of the country on the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day).
Friends,
This time, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas has brought an extraordinary coincidence. On one hand, we are celebrating the festival of unity, and on the other hand, it is also the auspicious occasion of Diwali. Diwali connects the entire nation through light, illuminating the whole country. And now, the festival of Diwali is also connecting Bharat with the world. It is being celebrated as a national festival in many countries. I wish all Indians living in the country and around the world, as well as all well-wishers of Bharat, a very happy Diwali.
Friends,
This Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is special for another reason as well. Today marks the beginning of the 150th birth anniversary year of Sardar Patel. The country will celebrate Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary for the next two years. This is a tribute from the people of the country to his extraordinary contributions. This two-year celebration will strengthen our resolve of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. This occasion will teach us that what seems impossible can be made possible. When Bharat gained independence, there were some people in the world who predicted the fragmentation of Bharat, and we just heard an elaborate account of this in Sardar Sahib's words. They had no hope that hundreds of princely states could be united to form one Bharat again. But Sardar Sahib proved that it was possible. This was achievable because Sardar Sahib was practical in action, truthful in resolution, humanitarian in work, and nationalist in purpose.
Friends,
Today we also draw inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He united everyone to drive away invaders. The Raigad Fort of Maharashtra still tells that tale. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj united the diverse thoughts of the nation for a common purpose from the Raigad Fort. The image of that historic Raigad Fort in Ekta Nagar stands before us as a symbol of inspiration. The Raigad Fort has been a sacred ground of social justice, patriotism, and the values of putting the nation first. Against this backdrop, we have gathered here today to achieve the resolution of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
Friends,
The past ten years have been filled with unprecedented achievements for Bharat's unity and integrity. Today, every action and mission of the government reflects a commitment to national unity. A prime example of this is our Ekta Nagar... the Statue of Unity is here... and it's not just in the name that there is unity, but there is unity in its construction as well. Iron from agricultural tools used by farmers across the country was brought here to build this statue because Sardar Sahib was a man of iron, a farmer's son. Therefore, iron, especially from tools used in fields, was brought here. Soil from every corner of the country was also brought here. Its construction evokes a sense of unity. Here, we have an 'Ekta Nursery’. There is a ‘Vishwa Van’ here... where trees and plants from every continent of the world exist. There is a 'Children's Nutrition Park' where healthy food habits from across the country are displayed in one place. There is also an 'Arogya Van' here, incorporating the Ayurvedic traditions and plants from different parts of the country. Not only that, there is also an 'Ekta Mall' for visitors, where handicrafts from across the country can be found under one roof.
And friends,
The 'Ekta Mall' is not just here; we are encouraging the construction of 'Ekta Malls' in every state capital. The same message of unity is further strengthened through the annual 'Unity Run.'
Friends,
As true Indians, it is our duty to celebrate every effort for the unity of the country, filling it with joy and enthusiasm. Energy, self-confidence, and new resolutions and hopes at every moment—this is what celebration is about. When we emphasize Bharat’s languages, we are also forging a strong link of unity. We have placed special emphasis on education in Indian languages in the new National Education Policy. And as you all know, the country has felt pride in one of the recent decisions, which was celebrated worldwide. Do you know what that decision was? Recently, the government has granted classical language status to Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit. This decision by the government has been warmly welcomed by all. When we honour our languages as mother tongues... it also respects our mothers, our Mother Earth, and Bharat Mata. Just like language... the ongoing connectivity initiatives across the country are also strengthening the unity of the nation. Railways, roads, highways, and modern infrastructure like the internet have connected villages to cities. When the capitals of Kashmir and the Northeast are linked by rail... when the Lakshadweep and Andaman-Nicobar Islands are connected to high-speed internet via undersea cables... when people in the mountains connect to mobile networks... the feeling of being left behind in the race for development disappears, giving rise to new energy to move forward. The spirit of national unity is empowered.
Friends,
The feeling of discrimination in the policies and intentions of previous governments has weakened the unity of the country. Over the past 10 years, the new model of ‘Sushashan’ (good governance) has eliminated every possibility of discrimination... we have chosen the path of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. Today, the 'Har Ghar Jal' scheme aims to provide water to every household without discrimination. The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi is given to everyone, without discrimination. Today, homes under the PM Awas scheme are provided to all, without discrimination. The Ayushman Bharat scheme benefits every eligible individual without discrimination... this approach of the government has eliminated decades of discontent in society. As a result, people's trust in the government and its systems has increased. This unity of ‘Vikas’ (development) and ‘Vishwas’ (trust) propels the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. I firmly believe that unity is our vital force in every scheme, every policy, and our intentions. I believe that Sardar Sahib's soul must be blessing us, seeing and hearing this.
Friends,
Pujya Bapu Mahatma Gandhi used to say, “Our capacity to live in unity amid diversity will be continually tested.” Gandhi ji further said that “we must pass this test at all costs.” In the past 10 years, Bharat has succeeded in every effort to live in unity amid diversity. The government has continuously strengthened the spirit of 'One Bharat' in its policies and decisions. Today, we all witness the success of 'One Nation, One Identity'... that is, the Aadhar system, and the world discusses it. Previously, there were different tax systems in Bharat. We created the 'One Nation, One Tax' system—GST. We strengthened the power sector of the country with 'One Nation, One Power Grid.' There was a time when some places had electricity while others were in darkness, and the power grid was fragmented. We fulfilled the resolution of 'One Nation, One Grid.' With 'One Nation, One Ration Card,' we integrated the benefits available to the poor. We provided 'One Nation, One Health Insurance' through Ayushman Bharat, benefiting every citizen.
Friends,
Under our efforts for unity, we are now working on 'One Nation, One Election,' which will strengthen Bharat's democracy, optimize the outcome of Bharat's resources, and propel the dream of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) towards new progress and prosperity. Bharat is also moving towards 'One Nation, One Civil Code'... that is, a secular civil code. I mentioned this from the Red Fort. The essence of this is also the social unity that Sardar Sahib spoke of, and it will help address the complaints of discrimination among different social classes, strengthening national unity, and advancing the country. The country will fulfil its commitments with unity.
Friends,
Today, the entire country is happy that the commitment to 'One Nation, One Constitution' has also been fulfilled after seven decades of independence; this is my greatest tribute to Sardar Sahib's soul. Citizens may not know that Baba Saheb Ambedkar's Constitution was not fully implemented across the country for 70 years. Those chanting the Constitution have greatly dishonoured it... what was the reason? The wall of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir stood as a barrier to the Constitution, depriving the people there of their rights. That Article 370 has now been buried forever. For the first time in this assembly election, votes were cast without discrimination in Jammu and Kashmir. For the first time, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir took an oath to the Indian Constitution after 75 years of independence. This scene must bring great satisfaction to the framers of the Indian Constitution, providing peace to their souls, and it is our humble tribute to them. I consider this a significant and strong milestone for Bharat's unity. The patriotic people of Jammu and Kashmir have rejected the age-old agenda of separation and terrorism. They have made the Constitution and democracy of Bharat victorious with their votes, demolishing the decades-long propaganda. On this Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, I salute the patriotic people of Jammu and Kashmir, those who respect the Constitution of Bharat.
Friends,
In the past 10 years, Bharat has resolved many issues that posed threats to national unity. Today, the masterminds of terrorism know that if they harm Bharat... Bharat will not spare them. Look at the North East, where there were significant crises. We have calmed the flames of separatism through dialogue, development, and trust. The Bodo Accord has ended a 50-year-old dispute in Assam... The Bru-Reang Agreement has allowed thousands of displaced people to return home after decades. The agreement with the National Liberation Front of Tripura has ended long-standing unrest. We have largely resolved the border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya.
Friends,
When the history of the 21st century is written... there will be a golden chapter on how Bharat uprooted and discarded the dreadful disease of Naxalism in the second and third decades. Remember the time when a Red Corridor extended from Pashupati in Nepal to Tirupati in Bharat. The tribal society that gave patriots like Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who fought the British for independence despite our limited resources, had seen the seeds of Naxalism sown as part of a calculated conspiracy. The fire of Naxalism was stoked. Naxalism became a significant challenge to Bharat's unity and integrity. I take satisfaction in knowing that after ten years of relentless efforts, Naxalism is now counting its last breaths in Bharat. Today, the development that has long been awaited is reaching the homes of my tribal community, instilling hope for a better future.
Friends,
Today, we face a Bharat that has vision, direction, and, most importantly, firmness. Today, the country possesses vision, direction, and determination. A Bharat that is empowered, inclusive, sensitive, vigilant, humble, and on the path to development—a Bharat that knows the importance of both ‘Shakti’ (strength) and ‘Shanti’ (peace). Amidst the global turmoil, achieving rapid development is no small feat. It is not common to propagate the messages of Buddha in the midst of war when conflicts are raging in different parts. It is not ordinary for Bharat to emerge as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ (global friend) when there are crises in relations among various countries. As distances between nations widen, countries are growing closer to Bharat. This is not normal... a new history is being written. What has Bharat done to achieve this?
Friends,
Today, the world is watching how Bharat is resolutely addressing its challenges. The world sees how Bharat is uniting to overcome decades-old challenges... and therefore... at this crucial time, we must preserve and manage our unity... we must repeatedly remember the oath of unity we have taken, live that oath, and if needed, fight for that oath. We must fill every moment with the spirit of this oath.
Friends,
Some forces, distorted ideas, and mentalities are very troubled by Bharat’s growing strength and the sentiment of unity within the country. There are people both within and outside Bharat trying to spread instability and chaos. They are focused on harming Bharat’s economic interests. These forces want to send a wrong message to investors around the world, creating a negative image of Bharat... They are even targeting our armed forces, running misinformation campaigns. They seek to create divisions within the military... These people are trying to divide Bharat in the name of caste and community. Their only goal is to weaken Indian society and its unity. They never want Bharat to develop... because a weak Bharat and a poor Bharat suit their politics. For five decades, this filthy and disgusting politics has been used to weaken the nation. Therefore, while they invoke the Constitution and democracy, they work to break Bharat apart among the masses. We must recognize this coalition of urban Naxalites; we need to identify and confront those who dream of breaking the country and those who wear false masks while harbouring destructive ideas. As the Naxalism that grew in the jungles and misled tribal youth with bombs and guns fades away, a new model of urban Naxalism has emerged.
Friends,
Today, the situation has become such that even talking about unity has become a crime. There was a time when we sang songs of unity with pride in schools, colleges, homes, and outside. Those who are older will remember the songs we sang... "All residents of Hindustan are one. Regardless of our colours, forms, and languages." These songs were sung openly. If someone were to sing such a song today, they would be targeted by the urban Naxal group. And if someone states that "unity means safety," these people would misinterpret that too... Those who want to break the country and divide society are offended by national unity. Therefore, my fellow countrymen, we need to be more vigilant than ever against such people, ideas, tendencies, and attitudes.
Friends,
We are people who live the ideals of Sardar Sahib. Sardar Sahib used to say that Bharat's greatest goal should be to become a united and strongly connected power. We must remember that Bharat is a diverse country. We will celebrate diversity; only then will unity strengthen. The next 25 years are crucial for unity. Therefore, we must never let this mantra of unity weaken, confront every falsehood, and live the mantra of unity... This unity is essential for rapid economic development, for creating a ‘Viksit’ (developed) and ‘Samridh’ (prosperous) Bharat. This unity is the lifeblood of social harmony, crucial for social peace. If we are dedicated to true social justice, and if social justice is our priority, then unity is the foremost prerequisite... we must maintain unity. Development of better facilities cannot progress without unity. Unity is essential for jobs and investments. Let us move forward together as one. Once again, my best wishes to all of you on the occasion of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
I will say, Sardar Sahib, you all say— Amar Rahe… Amar Rahe!
Sardar Sahib -- Amar Rahe… Amar Rahe!
Sardar Sahib -- Amar Rahe… Amar Rahe!
Sardar Sahib -- Amar Rahe… Amar Rahe!
Sardar Sahib -- Amar Rahe… Amar Rahe!
Bharat Mata ki – Jai!
Bharat Mata ki – Jai!
Bharat Mata ki – Jai!
भारत माता की जय!
भारत माता की जय!
