ITANAGAR, Oct 31: Governor Lt General (Retd) K T Parnaik led the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) celebration at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar today, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in uniting the nation.
The Governor along with Raj Bhavan officers and staff offered floral tributes to Sardar Patel, honouring his enduring legacy of unity, integrity, and nation-building.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor remembered Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and said that his life is a timeless reminder that perseverance, integrity, and dedication can bring about “transformative” change. He said that Sardar Patel’s unwavering sense of duty and fearless leadership should inspire today’s youth to lead with ethics, courage, and clarity, especially in a world where moral values are constantly tested.
Stating that it was through Sardar Patel’s vision and firm resolve that Major Bob Ralengnao Khathing successfully integrated Tawang and Arunachal Pradesh into the Indian Union, Parnaik said that it paved the way to strengthen the nation’s frontiers and unity.
He said that Sardar Patel embodied both Shakti (strength) and Vishwas (confidence), the qualities that enabled him to unite a diverse land into one great nation.
The Governor urged the people of Arunachal Pradesh to draw inspiration from Sardar Patel’s life and reaffirm their commitment to uphold the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the country.
Moreover, the Governor also called upon everyone to imbibe the ‘Nation First’ spirit as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and to contribute wholeheartedly towards building a strong, united, and Viksit Bharat.