Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at the ‘Run for Unity’ event in New Delhi on the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, reaffirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled the long-standing dream of a fully unified India by abrogating Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Shah recalled the monumental challenge India faced post-Independence when the country was divided into 562 princely states. While the world doubted India’s unity, Sardar Patel—India’s first Home Minister—achieved the impossible by integrating every princely state into one nation.
Shah emphasized that despite Patel’s tremendous contribution, Jammu & Kashmir remained an unresolved chapter due to Article 370. “With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bold decision to remove Article 370, the vision of a truly united ‘Akhand Bharat’ has become a reality,” he said.
The Home Minister also expressed disappointment that previous governments did not adequately honor Sardar Patel, noting a long delay before he received the Bharat Ratna and the absence of a national memorial in his name. It was only when Modi served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister that the historic Statue of Unity—a global symbol of India’s strength and unity—was conceptualized.
Completed in just 57 months, the 182-metre monument incorporated nearly 25,000 tonnes of iron sourced from farmers’ tools across the nation. With 2.5 crore visitors to date, the statue stands as a testament to India’s engineering prowess and deep respect for Sardar Patel.
Earlier in the day, Shah offered floral tributes at Patel Chowk and shared a heartfelt message on social media, calling Patel the “Iron Man” of India who dedicated his life to empowering farmers, uniting India, and safeguarding national security.
National Unity Day, observed every year on October 31 since 2014, continues to inspire generations as India honors the leader who built the nation’s foundation of unity and strength. Across the country, tributes and celebrations highlighted Patel’s pivotal role in shaping modern India—including a grand parade in Kevadia, Gujarat, where Prime Minister Modi presided over the ceremony.
