The second day of the Sardar@150 National Unity Padyatra, which took place in Asodar of Anand district, was devoted to reflecting on India’s ancient traditions and the monumental legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi opened the session, noting that the country is at a pivotal juncture. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for guiding India to unprecedented heights through both moral conviction and practical foresight.
Ravi highlighted Patel’s unparalleled impact on the nation, comparing the evolution from his homeland to the towering statue in Kevadia as a symbolic journey of India’s unity. He emphasized that a society cannot progress without honoring its predecessors and called Patel a “path-breaking visionary” whose work helped shape modern India.
Drawing on history, Ravi listed three key achievements of Patel: securing independence, integrating 562 princely states, and leading the Bardoli peasant movement. He stressed that Patel was not merely Gujarat’s leader but the truest “Sardar” of the country, a title bestowed by Mahatma Gandhi in front of Jawaharlal Nehru. He likened Patel’s moral authority to the “Iron Man”—a contrast to Bismarck’s “policy of blood and iron.”
The Governor explained the daunting task of merging princely states, each with its own army, treasury, and police. He argued that without Patel’s resolve, India’s independence would have remained incomplete, and added that had Patel handled the Kashmir issue, many of today’s challenges might have been avoided.
State Minister S. P. Singh Baghel, attending as a special guest, lauded Patel as the “architect, unifier, and great hero” of India’s unity. He mentioned efforts over the decades to downplay Patel’s role in textbooks, yet noted how deeply his memory lives in the hearts of Indians. Baghel thanked Prime Minister Modi for restoring Patel’s rightful place in national consciousness and praised the high spirit of the padyatra.
Recalling the legacy of the British, Baghel noted that they left more than 562 princely states that could have become independent. Patel, in just two years, united them through a rare blend of firmness and diplomacy, overcoming internal political hurdles—including hesitation from the then‑Prime Minister over Hyderabad—while pushing for complete integration. He credited Patel with strengthening Gandhi’s mass movement, recalling pivotal moments such as ending the veth pratha practice and leading the Nagpur flag satyagraha when the tricolour was banned.
Baghel also highlighted Gandhi’s trust, having entrusted Patel to carry on the non‑cooperation movement while Gandhi was imprisoned, underscoring the depth of their partnership.
The event began with a welcome address by Deputy Collector Jagdish Makwana, who explained the vision behind the Sardar Gatha. Several local leaders were honored, including MP Mitesh Patel, MLA Chirag Patel, district panchayat president Hasmukh Patel, and other dignitaries, with a large turnout of villagers.
janvi/dan
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