RM Rajnath Singh pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 151st Birth Anniversary
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Saturday, paid rich tributes to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on his 151st birth anniversary.
Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister described Sardar Patel as the architect of India’s political and territorial unity, whose extraordinary leadership, courage and unwavering commitment to national interest laid the foundation of a strong and united India.
Referring to the integration of Hyderabad, the Defence Minister recalled how Sardar Patel firmly dealt with the Nizam and the Razakars, who sought to challenge India’s sovereignty.
He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not only honoured Sardar Patel through the construction of the Statue of Unity but has also embraced his vision of national unity and integrity.
“Those who dream of weakening India or creating disorder must remember that the land which gave birth to Sardar Patel has also given birth to Narendra Modi.”
Defence Minister said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel firmly believed that India should never seek what does not belong to it, but should never give up what rightfully belongs to it, under any circumstances. He said that India continues to move forward guided by this very principle. “India does not seek to occupy anyone else’s territory, nor does it initiate conflict. However, it remains resolute in securing what rightfully belongs to it and safeguarding its national interests.”
He further asserted that whether it is avenging terrorist attacks or reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), India remains firmly committed to defending its rights and sovereignty.
The Defence Minister also criticised the Congress and its allies for their use of the term ‘Regime Change’. He emphasised that regime change essentially implies a coup, violence, anarchy and civil war.
He further stated that in a democracy, governments can be changed through constitutional and electoral processes, and there can be no justification for violence or disorder.
“Governments are changed through elections and the people’s mandate, not by creating chaos on the streets. Governments are formed by winning people’s trust, not by misleading the youth.”
Recalling the events surrounding the Congress presidential election of 1946, the Defence Minister said that despite overwhelming support from provincial Congress committees, Sardar Patel withdrew his candidature in deference to Mahatma Gandhi’s wishes.
“For Sardar Patel, the country was always bigger than the chair. Duty was more important than position, and national interest was greater than personal ambition.”
The Defence Minister expressed concern over what he described as the historical neglect of Sardar Patel’s contributions and recalled that Patel was conferred the Bharat Ratna only in 1991, nearly four decades after his demise. He also referred to the contrast between the celebrations of Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth centenary in 1989 and the relatively subdued observance of Sardar Patel’s birth centenary in 1975.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with restoring national recognition to Patel’s legacy through the Statue of Unity, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Run for Unity and Ekta March.
“Sardar Patel was a great leader in his own right. Honouring him has not made him any greater; rather, it has brought greater honour to India.”
Highlighting Sardar Patel’s emphasis on military modernisation and indigenous production of weapons and ammunition, the Defence Minister said that India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities reflect the spirit of self-reliance that Patel advocated.
Defence Minister said that Sardar Patel’s legacy extends far beyond the integration of princely states. It is reflected in India’s strong administrative institutions, national security, social harmony and commitment to national interest.
He said that the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and the mission of building a Viksit Bharat are inspired by the ideals that Sardar Patel upheld throughout his life.
Concluding his address, the Defence Minister recalled Patel’s warning that internal divisions had historically weakened India in the face of foreign aggression.
“India’s greatest strength lies in its unity. We must never allow internal differences to weaken our national resolve. Preserving India’s unity and integrity is the responsibility of every citizen.”
He called upon people to draw inspiration from Sardar Patel’s life and work, collectively, towards making India a strong, secure and developed nation.