DW BUREAU / Chandigarh On the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal paid homage to the 'Iron Man of India' Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and urged the society to follow the path shown by him. "The Youth of the Nation should inculcate the spirit of Rashtriya Ekta among themselves as only then the country can move forward on the path of progress," said Sh. Manohar Lal while speaking at the oath ceremony organized on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas held at Haryana Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh on Monday. The Chief Minister said that October 31 is celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas across the country to mark the birthday celebrations of former Home Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He said that Sardar Patel played a significant role in the freedom struggle, while after independence also dedicated his life to the Unity and Integrity of the country. Patel played a pivotal role in uniting 562 princely states Manohar Lal said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played an important role in uniting 562 princely states that were left by the British when India became independent. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took charge of the country's Deputy Prime Minister as well as Home Minister, and with his wisdom, he united the 562 princely states to create a united India, said the Chief Minister. Hence in this way he played an important role in strengthening the unity of the nation by facing the challenges after independence, the country will always be indebted to him, added Sh. Manohar Lal. The Chief Minister said that the under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi first of its kind memorial 'Statue of Unity' dedicated in the memory of Sardar Patel has been constructed. The foundation stone of 'The Statue of Unity' was laid on October 31, 2013, and later it was inaugurated on October 31, 2018. Sh. Manohar Lal said that the dream of a united India was realized by the Prime Minister with the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. (editor@dailyworld.in)