PM Modi Highlights Sardar Patel’s Vision for Kashmir, Calls for National Unity

During his speech, Modi recalled Patel’s ambition to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir into India, a plan that he said was halted by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. “Sardar Patel wished to bring all of Kashmir into the national fold, as he did with the princely states elsewhere. But Nehru ji did not allow this. Kashmir was given a separate Constitution and flag, and the nation paid a heavy price for decades because of that decision,” Modi stated.

At the memorial in Kevadia, Modi emphasized that Patel’s principles continue to guide India’s approach to sovereignty and security. He reaffirmed that his government is determined to eliminate infiltration and counter internal threats, drawing a link between national security and unity.

Highlighting achievements since 2014, Modi cited the reduction of Maoist influence from 125 districts to 11 and praised India’s proactive military operations across borders as evidence of the nation’s strengthened resolve. He also referenced the abrogation of Article 370 as a historic step in completing Kashmir’s integration into India’s mainstream.

“Every effort that undermines national unity must be rejected,” the Prime Minister said, urging citizens to remain vigilant against both internal and external challenges. He described Patel’s legacy of integrating more than 550 princely states as an enduring model for national strength and unity.

Modi also addressed efforts to remove colonial-era mindsets, mentioning symbolic changes such as renaming Rajpath to Kartavya Path and revamping national symbols, and paid tribute to the 36,000 personnel who have sacrificed their lives for internal security. He outlined four pillars of unity: cultural cohesion, linguistic harmony, inclusive growth, and connectivity—highlighting infrastructure projects like highways, Vande Bharat trains, and digital networks as means of linking the nation.

Closing his address, Modi urged all citizens to honor Patel’s vision by dedicating themselves to a united India, stating, “Service to the nation is the highest tribute to Mother India. Together, 140 crore Indians can realize the dream of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, and build a developed India.”

President Murmu Calls for a United, Strong India

On the same day, President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings to citizens on Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary. She described Patel as a patriotic visionary and a unifier of the nation. In a message on social media, she called for collective efforts to build a “strong, harmonious, and excellent India.”

The President also offered floral tributes at Sardar Patel Chowk and Gantantra Mandap at Rashtrapati Bhavan, reaffirming Patel’s role as an inspiration for national service and unity.