CM, Governor call for unity on 142nd birth anniversary of Sardar Patel

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 31

Manipur joined the rest of India to observe the 142nd birth anniversary of the “Iron man of India”, Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, popularly known as Sardar Patel, under the theme Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Governor Najma Heptulla and chief minister N. Biren Singh flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’, from Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today.

Speaking on the occasion, Najma Heptulla, said India is proud of its different communities and religion, and this diversity came under a united banner because of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also went to jails many times for the welfare and fighting for freedom, Heptulla said.

She said because of the Iron man of India many princely states of the country were brought together to form a unified country. That is why his birth anniversary deserves to be celebrated as National Unity Day, Heptulla added.

Heptulla further mentioned that she has emotional attachments with many freedom fighters. Due to those freedom fighters the people of the present generations are able to enjoy a free country. She said the people should follow the path of the good deeds done by them.

She urged the public to take a pledge to follow the ideals and path of these freedom fighters.

Chief minister, N. Biren and youth affairs and sports minister, Letpao Haokip were the president and guest of honour on the occasion.

Addressing the function, N. Biren said to bring a unified country people need to have co-operation among all the groups and between the states.

He said Sardar Patel knew the princely states of India would falter if they were not unified as a nation. Just as in India as a whole, Manipur too would falter if the communities or the ethnic groups of the state are not unified, he said.

“The state’s different ethnic groups and the communities need to co-operate with each other in order to save their common integrity”, he added.

Maintaining that raising unity slogan alone would not serve any purpose at this juncture, the chief minister urged the people to not only put in serious efforts in maintaining harmony but also stay from all forms of activities which may disturb unity and integrity of the state.

Biren said people should stop finding negative connotations and implications every time any group or government speak up or try out any initiatives for the betterment of the state as a whole.

Calling for all to join the peace train, Biren said peace negotiation started even in Jammu and Kashmir to resolve the problems of the state. There is no reason why all stakeholders should not also try to resolve their problems through talks, he asserted.

“We should learn to appreciate those who wish to join us, and we should also not forget to ask the reason to those who try to leave us,” he said.

Minister for youth affairs and sports, Letpao Haokip as guest of honour said National Unity Day celebration aims at fostering and reinforcing the country’s dedication to preserve and strengthen its unity, integrity and security.

Around 600 participants took part in the run and the minister expressed hope that through this run, India would reaffirm its inherent strength and resilience to withstand the threats to unity, integrity and security.