Patel, the maker of modern India
erative sector, huge credit goes to Patel. The roots of Amul can be traced back to his vision for empowering local communities, particularly women. It was Patel who also popularised the idea of cooperative housing societies, thus ensuring dignity and shelter for many.
Two traits synonymous with Patel are trust and integrity. The farmers of India had unparalleled faith in him. After all, he was a Kisan Putra, who led from the front during the Bardoli Satyagraha. The working class saw him as a leader who would speak up for them. Traders and industrialists preferred to work with Patel because they felt he was a stalwart who had a vision for India’s economic and industrial growth.
His political peers, too, trusted him. Acharya Kripalani remarked that whenever they faced an issue and if Bapu’s guidance was not available, they would turn to Patel. When political negotiations were at their peak in 1947, Sarojini Naidu called him “the man of decision and man of action”.
This year’s Sardar Jayanti is even more special. With the blessings of 130 crore Indians, the ‘Statue of Unity’ is being inaugurated today. Situated on the banks of the Narmada, the ‘Statue of Unity’ is the tallest in the world. ‘Dharti Putra’ Patel will stand tall in the skies, to guide us and inspire us. I congratulate all those who have worked day and night on this grand statue in tribute of Patel. On October 31, 2013, we laid the foundation stone for this ambitious project. In record time, a project of such scale has become ready and this should make every Indian proud. I urge you all to visit the ‘Statue of Unity’.
The ‘Statue of Unity’ is a symbol of both the unity of hearts and the geographical integrity of our motherland. It is a reminder that divided, we may not be even able to face ourselves. United, we can face the world and scale new heights of growth and glory.
He worked with astonishing speed to dismantle the history of imperialism and create the geography of unity with the spirit of nationalism. He saved India from Balkanisation and integrated even the weakest of limbs into the national framework. Today, we, the 130 crore Indians are working shoulder to shoulder to build a New India that is strong, prosperous and inclusive. Every decision is being taken to ensure that the fruits of development reach the most vulnerable, without any corruption or favouritism, just as Patel would have wanted it.
Narendra Modi is Prime Minister of India The views expressed are personal