Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Statue of Unity in Gujarat to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 149th birth anniversary. Along with participating in the Unity Parade Ground event, PM Modi also marked the day's significance as it coincides with Diwali, showing India's global connect. In line with Patel's vision, he reaffirmed the government's commitment to national unity and progress through initiatives like One Nation One Election and Uniform Civil Code.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: The Iron Man of India
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India, was one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement. He played a pivotal role in the unification of the country after independence and is considered the architect of modern India.
Statue of Unity: A Symbol of National Unity
In 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, which is dedicated to Sardar Patel. The world's tallest statue at 182 meters, it symbolizes the unity and strength of the Indian nation. The statue is surrounded by the Statue of Unity Garden, which features various attractions and facilities.
149th Birth Anniversary and Diwali Celebrations
On October 31, 2022, the 149th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel coincided with the festival of Diwali. Prime Minister Modi visited the Statue of Unity to honor Patel and mark the significance of the day. He also participated in the Unity Parade Ground event and reaffirmed the government's commitment to national unity.
Initiatives in Line with Patel's Vision
As part of his vision for a united and strong India, Patel had advocated for initiatives such as:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: What was Sardar Patel's role in the Indian independence movement?
A: He was a key leader who negotiated with princely states and played a crucial role in unifying India after independence.
Q2: What is the significance of the Statue of Unity?
A: It represents the unity, strength, and vision of Sardar Patel for a modern and prosperous India.
Q3: How did Prime Minister Modi honor Patel on his birth anniversary?
A: He visited the Statue of Unity, participated in the Unity Parade Ground event, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to national unity.
Q4: What are the major initiatives proposed in line with Patel's vision?
A: One Nation One Election and Uniform Civil Code.
Q5: Why is Sardar Patel celebrated on Diwali?
A: His birthday coincides with Diwali, a festival that signifies victory over darkness and evil.
After a public falling out with President Trump over federal spending, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk announced the formation of the "America Party" on his own social media platform, X. The party aims to combat what Musk sees as the country's entrenched "one-party system" and oppose lawmakers who support Trump's massive domestic spending plan. This move follows a poll on X where Musk asked if users desired "independence from the two-party system," with the majority responding yes. The feud between Trump and Musk escalated when the president pushed for his "One Big Beautiful Bill," which Musk vehemently criticized and coined as "debt slavery."
In a historic moment, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena leader Raj Thackeray publicly shared a stage after 20 years at a victory rally in Mumbai. This reunion was prompted by the withdrawal of two government resolutions proposing the introduction of Hindi as a third language in state schools. The rally marked an important turning point in the relationship between the once-estranged Thackeray cousins.
At least five Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers were detained for vandalising entrepreneur Sushil Kedia's Worli office, allegedly in response to his remarks about MNS leader Raj Thackeray amid the ongoing Marathi language row. Kedia apologised for his comments and praised Thackeray's advocacy of Hindutva, calling for a more positive approach to promoting the Marathi language. Union Minister Chirag Paswan condemned the reported assault of a Thane shopkeeper over language issues, highlighting the need for unity and respect among Indians. Meanwhile, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis vowed to take action against such acts of "hooliganism" in Mumbai.
The main and X accounts of renowned news agency Reuters have been blocked in India on social media platform X, as users discovered and reported on Saturday. The reason for this block is yet to be officially announced, but it appears to be a result of a legal demand or local laws. Despite the main handle being inaccessible, affiliated handles of Reuters remain accessible. It's unclear whether the block is temporary or permanent and if it's linked to a specific report or legal order against the platform. Stay informed with our latest blogs.
Amidst the ongoing controversy over the assault of a shopkeeper by MNS workers, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde caused a stir with his concluding speech at an event in Pune, where he raised the slogans "Jai Gujarat" and "Jai Maharashtra". While the opposition accused Shinde of being "greedy for power", CM Devendra Fadnavis defended him, stating that it was a customary practice to hail the state where an event is being held. The incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate on Marathi language and pride, ahead of the civic elections in Maharashtra.
At a recent political event, Indian Union minister Amit Shah addressed the crowd in Gujarati language, highlighting the importance of connecting with regional languages in India. Maharashtra politician Eknath Shinde also addressed the gathering, exclaiming "Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat." The event served as a platform for politicians to express their opinions and connect with their audiences in regional languages, showcasing the diverse cultural and linguistic landscape of the country.
In an effort to prevent the division of secular votes and counter communal forces, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has expressed its willingness to join the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. The party's letter to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav highlights their intention and also mentions previous failed attempts. The party has also conveyed this to other senior leaders of RJD, including Tejashwi Yadav, with the hope to “contest the Bihar assembly elections together."
On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of revered Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the inaugural ceremony of the year-long centenary celebrations. In his speech, PM Modi highlighted the eternal nature of Indian civilization and praised Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj as a symbol of this timeless philosophy. The event served as a reminder of the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of India.
The Indian Prime Minister, currently on a five-nation tour, took to social media to pay homage to Swami Vivekananda on the revered monk's death anniversary. PM Modi highlighted Swami Vivekananda's enduring influence on Indian society and his emphasis on serving others and embracing India's rich heritage. Even after a century since his passing, Swami Vivekananda's teachings continue to inspire generations, promoting unity and compassion in a divided world.
In the midst of a controversial video surfacing showing a shopkeeper being assaulted for not speaking Marathi, Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam spoke out in defense of the state's official language and condemned acts of vigilantism. The incident has sparked a larger debate over linguistic identity and regional pride in Maharashtra. While emphasizing the importance of cultural and linguistic respect, Kadam also denounced the manner in which the situation escalated and called for individuals to not take the law into their own hands. A police investigation is currently ongoing.