Fitting tributes paid to Sardar Patel on National Unity Day
Embrace idea of peaceful co-existence : CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 31 2026: Chief Minister Y Khemchand has stated that building a strong and united Manipur requires people to shed communal mindset and embrace the idea of peaceful coexistence.

Commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Nation's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, fondly known as the Iron Man of India, the State Government organised a National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas), 2026, at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Imphal, today.

Fitting tributes paid to Sardar Patel on National Unity Day

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Khemchand emphasised that the people of Manipur must live together with a sense of pride in being Indians first and Manipuris second.

He further said that Manipur would be able to achieve peace, foster a sense of unity and progress in development only when people discard communal mindset.

The Chief Minister also stated that the Government is not meant to serve the interests of only one community.

Saying that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India, played a key role in unifying the country, he appealed to the people to follow his ideals and work towards building a strong and united Manipur.

He stated that Manipur is home to 36 different communities, emphasising that the State cannot be governed by prioritising the interests of only one community.

Khemchand appealed to the people to understand that community-centric approaches cannot ensure integrity, a peaceful atmosphere or economic progress in the State.

The day commemorates the unwavering efforts and contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel towards strengthening National unity and building a strong Nation, added the Chief Minister.

The observance was initiated in 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added.

The Chief Minister further highlighted the statesmanship of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in various movements against British rule, including the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement.

Recalling another significant tribute of the Iron Man of India, the Chief Minister stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's tallest statue, the 'Statue of Unity', in Gujarat on October 31, 2018, in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

As part of the observance, nine contingents participated in the March Past, which was commanded by Pramesh Arambam, Commanding Officer of the 4th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) .

A choreographic presentation titled "Akhoigi Apunba Saktam (Our Collective Identity)" was also performed by the Government Dance Academy.

The observance was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs, Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, DGP, senior administrative officers and high-ranking police and civil officials, among others.