Agartala, Nov 10 — Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday ceremonially flagged off the Unity March from the historic Ujjayanta Palace to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India.”
The march, part of a nationwide tribute, symbolized unity, strength, and the spirit of nation-building that Patel embodied. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha said the event was not merely ceremonial but a reaffirmation of the values Patel championed — national integration, resilience, and unity in diversity.
He recalled that the “Run for Unity” initiative, launched in 2014, and the 182-meter *Statue of Unity* — conceived by Narendra Modi in 2010 and inaugurated in 2018 — stand as enduring tributes to Patel’s role in unifying 562 princely states into the Indian Union. The statue, located in Gujarat’s Narmada River, was built using iron contributed by farmers across India, symbolizing grassroots participation in nation-building.
Dr. Saha emphasized that Patel’s vision of a strong and united India remains relevant today. He urged the youth to stay vigilant against divisive forces that threaten national integrity and to uphold the ideals of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s vision rooted in Patel’s legacy.
Highlighting Patel’s statesmanship, the Chief Minister noted his strategic use of diplomacy and firmness in integrating the princely states, earning him the title “Architect of Modern India.”
Dr. Saha concluded by stating that under the BJP-led government, Sardar Patel has finally received the recognition he deserves. “It is only under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership that Patel’s unmatched contribution to India’s unity has been honored with true respect and dignity,” he said.
