Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a National Unity Day address in Gujarat’s Kevadia, criticized the opposition for allegedly not fully implementing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Constitution for over 70 years. He accused those who publicly support the Constitution of having failed to uphold it. According to PM Modi, “For 70 years, Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s Constitution was not implemented in the entire country. Those who chant the name of the Constitution have insulted it so much.”
Article 370’s Impact on Constitutional Integrity
PM Modi attributed this alleged lapse to Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. He referred to the article as a “wall” that had long prevented unity. Emphasizing its permanent removal, he declared, “Article 370 has been buried forever.” He added that the recent assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir marked the first time voting occurred without discrimination, and for the first time, the Chief Minister took an oath on the Indian Constitution. “This scene must have given immense satisfaction to the makers of the Indian Constitution,” he said, acknowledging it as a tribute to India’s founding leaders.
Promoting Unity and Language Through Education
Modi encouraged Indians to celebrate ongoing efforts for unity, underscoring the importance of language and education in fostering integration. Highlighting the New Education Policy, he praised it as a “shining example” of India’s commitment to unity. “As true Indians, it’s our duty to celebrate every effort towards national unity with enthusiasm and energy, strengthening new resolves, hopes, and excitement,” he stated.
Diwali Wishes to Indians Worldwide
As Diwali and National Unity Day coincided, PM Modi extended his greetings to Indians both within the country and abroad. He reflected on Diwali’s power to unite, noting, “Deepawali connects the whole country through lamps, illuminates the whole country, and now the festival of Deepawali is also connecting India with the world.” He acknowledged Diwali’s celebration as a national festival in multiple countries and offered best wishes to all Indians and well-wishers globally.
National Unity Day and Sardar Patel’s Legacy
October 31 marks the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, honored as National Unity Day. Since 2014, the day has featured the ‘Run for Unity’ events across India. Born in 1875 in Gujarat, Patel united over 562 princely states, laying the foundation for a unified Republic of India. He served as India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister until his death in 1950, earning the legacy as a unifier and nation-builder.
