Sardar Patel saved J&K from Pakistan: PM Narendra Modi

In his monthly broadcast Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday remembered Sardar Patel for his immense contribution in uniting India, a region that was divided in over 500 princely states.

"If we are able to see a united India now, it was entirely on account of the sagacity and strategic wisdom of Sardar Patel," said PM Modi, as he urged the youth to participate in large numbers in the "run for Unity" that is being organised on October 31 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.

PM Modi will be dedicating Sardar Patel's grand statue that has been erected on the banks of river Narmada in Gujarat to his memory.

"This year, October 31 will be special as the Statue of Unity will be dedicated to the nation as a true tribute to Sardar Patel. Every Indian will now be proud to see the world's tallest statue here on Indian soil. Sardar Patel, a true son of the soil will adorn our skies too," he said.

The PM also remembered Infantry Day that is observed every year on October 27 as the first Indian soldiers had set their foot in Jammu and Kashmir to take on intruders from Pakistan. Quoting late Field Marshal Manekshaw, PM Modi said, Patel was 'irked' at the delay in initiating military action to evict the aggressors.

"During the proceedings, Sardar Patel gave Manekshaw a characteristic glance and reiterated that there should be no delay in our Army operation and that a solution should be sought swiftly. Immediately after that, our troops flew to Kashmir and we've seen how our Army was successful," Modi said.

PM Modi also hailed farmers from Punjab who do not burn stubble in fields and help save the environment. Incidentally, it was also a day on which Delhi recorded its worst air quality of this season.

The PM specifically referred to Gurbachan Singh, a Punjab farmer, who asked his would be parents-in-law to promise that they will not burn 'parali' or stubble in their fields.

"You can well imagine the social strength this statement had. This point made by Gurbachan Singh ji appears quite ordinary, but reveals how tall and strong his personality is...who connect their individual matters with the benefit of the society as a whole," said the PM.

He then asked people to look inwards in our glorious past, rich traditions and especially learn from the lifestyle of tribal communities to counter environmental challenges.

49TH MANN KI BAAT HIGHLIGHTS

1. Recalled the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in India’s Independence and repelling agressors in Jammu and Kashmir
    
2. Hailed the contribution of Indian soldiers during World War I, said wherever there will be a talk of world peace, India’s name and contribution will be written in golden letters
    
3. Lauded country’s athletes who won medals in recent international events
    
4. Hailed farmers from Punjab who do not burn stubble in fields and help save the environment
    
5. Asked people to look inwards in our glorious past, rich traditions and especially learn from the lifestyle of tribal communities to counter environmental challenges