Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Thursday flagged off the Ekta Rath Yatra Phase II from Ahmedabad to spread the knowledge about the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in uniting 562 erstwhile princely States in India post-Independence.
Speaking on the occasion, Rupani said the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, has been built to spread the message. About 25,000 people are visiting the site of the statue daily. It has emerged as a pilgrims centre. Had there been no Sardar Patel, we would have to apply for visa for going from Somnath temple to Gir lion sanctuary (Junagadh). Sardar Patel had also reconstructed the Somnath temple.
He called upon the people to rise above regional, communal, religious and linguistic parochialism and imbibe the ideals shown by Sardar Patel as the most befitting tribute to the Iron Man of India.
Rupani said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had revived the stories of sacrifices and valour of illustrious sons of India like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, Dr Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar, Shyamji Krishna Verma. In phase-1, 59 Ekta Raths had fanned out across the state to cover 171 talukas in 33 districts from October 20 to 29 last. Nearly 16-lakh people joined these Yatras.
The Rath will meander through 41 villages besides Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation areas.
