Sardar Patel’s legacy echoes in PM’s call for Aatmanirbhar, Viksit Bharat: V-P Radhakrishnan

Radhakrishnan said, “The legacy of Sardar Patel finds an echo in the call of our PM, of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047. Our PM has given us the spirit of Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Sashakt Bharat. In the last ten years, India has risen at a rapid pace economically, socially, (in) military and strategically. It has been a great achievement of our PM. Driven by strong structural reforms, digital governance and unprecedented capital investment, India has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies of the world. India has made quantum leaps in development. Today, we are the fourth-largest economy and will soon be the third-largest economy.”

Urging youngsters to stay away from narcotics, he said, “India today has an unique opportunity, having a strong demographic dividend, having more than 60 per cent population under 35 years of age. The young population is the greatest power of India today. This youth powerhouse of energy, talent and aspiration is the greatest strength. When guided by the values of unity, discipline and national purpose, can transform the nation into a global leader in innovation and development.”

Recognising the strong presence of women at the event, the Vice-President highlighted the transformative impact of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which has shifted the national focus from women’s empowerment to women-led development. Speaking on national security, he said India’s defence capabilities have grown manifold, citing Operation Sindoor as a “defining moment that demonstrated the nation’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and combat cross-border terrorism.”

He acknowledged that it was his first official visit to Gujarat and said, “If Sardar Patel had not had the courage to unite India, we would not have had a united India as of today… This padyatra has been a celebration of the eternal spirit that resides in the heart of India – the spirit of unity, duty and nation building. More than 14 lakh youth participating in the 1,300 padyatras across the country is a powerful message that the flame of unity ignited by Sardar Patel continues to light and will remain bright forever. It is very significant and symbolic that this padyatra began on November 26 on Constitution Day.”

Radhakrishnan spoke about the padyatras he took part in, seeking interlinking of rivers, fight against terrorism and drugs, and for implementation of the Uniform Civil Code. He said, “For me, personally, this padyatra finds a deep connect as I, too, have undertaken padyatras in the past. I also undertook two padyatras for 800 km in Tamil Nadu towards Kerala and Andhra Pradesh for irrigation projects… I had undertaken the Rath Yatra for 1,900 km in TN for 93 continuous days. I took part in padyatras to press for linking of all Indian rivers, eradicating terrorism, implementing UCC, removing untouchability and confronting the menace of narcotic drugs. I firmly believe that padyatras are a strong way to connect into the masses and spread the message of unity.”

Radhakrishnan was accompanied by Gujarat and Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Panchayati Raj, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister for Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Raksha Khadse and Union Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, among other dignitaries.