Mind is with victims’ families, says PM in Ekta Nagar, gets teary-eyed in Tharad

The cultural programmes planned across the country as part of Rashtriya Ekta Divas celebrations were cancelled in view of the tragedy in Morbi.

PM Narendra Modi speaking in Gujarat's Kevadia. (ANI)

Expressing his grief over the bridge collapse in Morbi that killed 134 people and injured several others, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday said at the Rashtriya Ekta Divas event in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, that although “duty” required him to be in Ekta Nagar, his “mind was with the families of the victims”. The PM got teary-eyed at an event in Tharad, Banaskantha, later in the day.

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“I am in Ekta Nagar but my mind is connected to the victims of Morbi… On one hand, I have immense pain in my heart and on the other hand, I have my path of duty to walk… I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. The Gujarat government is with them… NDRF, the Indian Air Force and the Army have joined in the operations. We are ensuring that all treatment is available in hospitals. The Central government is also monitoring it,” the PM said.

Adding that Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was leading the rescue operations from the front, Modi said, “The state government has already formed a committee to look into the incident. Ekta Divas gives us the inspiration to face such tragic situations. We take inspiration from the courage of Sardar Patel to go forward despite the grief.”

The cultural programmes planned across the country as part of Rashtriya Ekta Divas celebrations were cancelled in view of the Morbi tragedy. Formal police parades and defence shows were held with the Statue of Unity (SoU) in the backdrop to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

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Emphasising on India’s unity, the PM cited the example of Morbi saying, “Every Indian has been praying for the safety of the victims… So many locals came forward to help in hospitals and at the accident site. During Covid-19 also, India went forward like a family…”

Later at an event in Tharad, Banaskantha, the PM was in tears when he referred to the Morbi tragedy as “very painful and devastating”. Before the PM arrived, Banas Dairy chairman Shankar Chaudhary announced from the stage, “Because of the Morbi tragedy, We were asked by the Prime Minister to cancel the roadshow and felicitation events.”

Talking about the tragedy, Modi said, “Gujarat is mourning today. Citizens in the country are very sad. The terrible tragedy happened last (Sunday) evening in Morbi in which several people… small children lost their lives. Our condolences are with the bereaved families who have lost their families, relatives, little ones in the tragedy.” Assuring people that no effort will be spared in relief and rescue work, the PM said, “No effort will be spared from the government.”

Aditi Raja

Aditi Raja is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, stationed in Vadodara, Gujarat, with over 20 years in the field. She has been reporting from the region of Central Gujarat and Narmada district for this newspaper since 2013, which establishes her as a highly Authoritative and Trustworthy source on regional politics, administration, and critical socio-economic and environmental issues. Expertise: Core Authority & Specialization: Her reporting is characterized by a comprehensive grasp of the complex factors shaping Central Gujarat, which comprises a vast tribal population, including: Politics and Administration: In-depth analysis of dynamics within factions of political parties and how it affects the affairs in the region, visits of national leaders making prominent statements, and government policy decisions impacting the population on ground. Crucial Regional Projects: She consistently reports on the socio-economic and political impact of infrastructure projects in the region, especially the Statue of Unity, the Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail bullet train project as well as the National Highway infrastructure. Social Justice and Human Rights: Her reporting offers deep coverage of sensitive human-interest topics, including gender, crime, and tribal issues. Her reports cover legal proceedings from various district courts as well as the Gujarat High Court (e.g., the Bilkis Bano case remission, POCSO court orders, Public Interest Litigations), the plight of tribal communities, and broader social conflicts (e.g., Kheda flogging case). Local Impact & Disaster Reporting: Excels in documenting the immediate impact of events on communities, such as the political and civic fallout of the Vadodara floods, the subsequent public anger, and the long-delayed river redevelopment projects, Harni Boat Tragedy, Air India crash, bringing out a blend of stories from the investigations as well as human emotions. Special Interest Beat: She tracks incidents concerning Non-Resident Gujaratis (NRIs) including crime and legal battles abroad, issues of illegal immigration and deportations, as well as social events connecting the local Gujarati experience to the global diaspora. ... Read More

Ritu Sharma

Ritu Sharma is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express' Gujarat bureau, an editorial position that reflects her experience and Authority in regional journalism. With over a decade of concentrated reporting experience, she is a highly Trustworthy and specialized journalist, especially noted for her Expertise in the education sector across Gujarat and previously Chandigarh. Expertise Primary Authority (Education): With over ten years of dedicated reporting on education in both Gujarat and Chandigarh, Ritu Sharma is a foremost authority on educational policy, institutional governance, and ground realities from "KG to PG." Her coverage includes: Higher Education: In-depth scrutiny of top institutions like IIM-Ahmedabad (controversies over demolition/restoration of heritage architecture), IIT-Bombay (caste discrimination issues), and new initiatives like international branch campuses in GIFT City. Schooling & Policy: Detailed coverage of government schemes (Gyan Sadhana School Voucher Scheme), the implementation and impact of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, teacher recruitment issues, and the impact of national policies like the NEP. Student Welfare: Reporting on critical issues such as suicide allegations due to caste discrimination, and the challenges faced by students (e.g., non-delivery of NAMO tablets). ... Read More

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