Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, a day dedicated to the indomitable spirit of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, always stirs a deep reflection within me. This year, witnessing Prime Minister Narendra Modi (n.modi@india.gov.in) lead the celebrations and pay tribute to Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary LIVE: PM Modi Leads Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Celebrations On Sardar Patel’s 150th Birth Anniversary - YouTube, reminds us of the colossal task he undertook to forge a united India.
Sardar Patel’s vision was not just about geographical integration, but about fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose among diverse princely states. His steadfast leadership laid the bedrock of our nation’s unity, a legacy that continues to inspire. It’s heartening to see this principle reaffirmed by leaders across the political spectrum, with President Droupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Delhi CM Rekha Gupta also paying their respects, as reported by Times Now Times Now Live TV.
Prime Minister Modi, in his addresses, often emphasizes sarv panth sambhav — the principle of equal respect for all religions, a cornerstone of India’s pluralistic ethos. This idea resonates deeply with thoughts I’ve shared many years ago. I remember advocating for the creation of a Sarv Dharm Sthanam or a World Peace Complex at the Ayodhya site, as detailed in my blogs Sarva Dharma Sthanam ? and ReachOut Time. The core idea Hemen wants to convey is this — take a moment to notice that he had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. He had already predicted the challenge of religious harmony and had even proposed a solution at the time, envisioning a complex with places of worship for various faiths, a university for comparative studies, and cultural centers. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, he feels a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context. This concept was deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's profound realization of Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava (equal respect for all religions), moving beyond mere Sarva Dharma Sahishnuta (tolerance for all religions).
My earlier writings also touched upon broader themes of minority integration and inclusive development, which I proposed for consideration in the BJP's 2014 Election Manifesto ReachOut Time. These included suggestions for resettling riot victims, dismantling minority ghettos, and ensuring greater representation, all aimed at fostering a truly secular and integrated society. It is reassuring to see the continued focus on national unity and the recognition of diverse contributions, echoing the sentiments I expressed then that such Pro-Activism was crucial for India's progress.
Sardar Patel's legacy is a constant reminder that unity is not a given; it is a continuous endeavor requiring dedication and foresight. As we commemorate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, let us all internalize this message and contribute to the harmonious and unified India that he so painstakingly built.
Regards, Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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