By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 18: Calling for renewed commitment to national cohesion, Governor CH Vijayashankar on Tuesday led the observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas at the Raj Bhavan, marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, widely hailed as the ‘Iron Man of India’.
The event, held at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, brought together students, teachers, and personnel from the Meghalaya Police, Border Security Force (BSF), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The Governor, addressing the gathering, lauded their participation and underscored the enduring relevance of Patel’s legacy in modern India.
Describing Sardar Patel as the architect of national unity and stability, Governor Vijayashankar said, “It is our duty to maintain the unity, integrity and dignity of Bharat Mata.” Recalling lessons from his school days, he cautioned against complacency, noting that threats to national integrity can emerge from within as much as from beyond the country’s borders.
Reflecting on Patel’s pivotal role in integrating the princely states at the time of Independence, the Governor termed it “one of the greatest political achievements.” He praised Patel for laying the administrative foundation of the nation by creating the All India Services—the IAS, IPS and IFS—which he described as the “steel frame of India” that ensures continuity and coherence in governance.
The Governor highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is being celebrated nationwide as an affirmation of the ideal of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” Vijayashankar also lauded Meghalaya’s contributions to national unity, praising the state’s cultural richness and its enduring commitment to peace and coexistence.
“Unity does not signify uniformity,” he said, noting that India’s strength lies in celebrating diversity while working together toward collective development.
He urged citizens to uphold the spirit of unity and strive toward a more prosperous and peaceful India. The event concluded with a pledge of commitment to national integrity and the ideals of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
