Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, saying the leader’s role in unifying hundreds of princely states laid the foundation for an integrated India. He said the country’s next major responsibility was to achieve the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Addressing a National Unity Day oath-taking ceremony at the Haryana Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh on October 31, Saini said Patel’s commitment to national unity and integrity remained an inspiration for the country. The Chief Minister offered floral tributes to Patel and administered the unity pledge to government officials and employees.
Haryana CM Highlights Over 2 Lakh Government Jobs
Saini highlighted his government’s recruitment policy, claiming that more than two lakh young people had secured government jobs in Haryana without recommendations or bribes.
He said the government had worked to end the culture of favouritism in recruitment and was committed to delivering transparent governance and public services.
Addressing administrative officers and employees, Saini stressed that public trust depended on fair decisions and an accountable administration. He said every citizen should feel that the government belonged to them.
The Chief Minister also referred to Patel’s role in establishing the foundation of the All India Services, describing them as the country’s administrative steel frame. He recalled Patel’s emphasis on service, impartiality and integrity while addressing civil service officers on April 21, 1947.
According to Saini, national unity was strengthened not only through territorial integration but also through impartial administrative decisions and public confidence in government institutions.
How Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Unified India
Saini said India faced the challenge of integrating hundreds of princely states after independence in 1947. Despite concerns about whether the country could remain united, Patel played a crucial role in bringing the states into the Indian Union.
The Chief Minister specifically referred to Junagadh and Hyderabad, saying Patel made it clear that India’s unity would not be compromised.
He also highlighted the origin of Patel’s title, Sardar, saying farmers bestowed the honour on him for his struggle for their rights.
Saini said Patel’s life demonstrated the importance of determination, public service and commitment to national integration.
Statue of Unity and National Unity Day
The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government with establishing the tradition of observing Patel’s birth anniversary as National Unity Day in 2014. He also referred to the Statue of Unity, built in Patel’s honour, as a global symbol of India’s unity and integrity.
Saini cautioned against attempts to divide society through regionalism, linguistic differences and rumours. He called for collective efforts to counter divisive forces and reiterated the state government’s motto, “Haryana Ek-Haryanvi Ek”.
He urged people to uphold their responsibilities towards national unity, integrity and development, adding that Haryana had an important role to play in achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.
Chief Secretary Highlights Patel’s Contribution
Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi also spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the challenges India faced in maintaining unity and administering the country after independence.
He said Patel’s determination, administrative ability and leadership helped bring the princely states together and played a historic role in shaping a unified India.
Additional Chief Secretary Sudhir Rajpal, Dr Sumita Mishra and other government officials and employees attended the event.
