Quote"Foundation stone for Statue of Unity laid by Shri Narendra Modi in the august presence of Shri LK Advani ji"
Quote"Narendra Modi gives clarion call for national unity"
Quote"A historic event is taking place on the banks of the Narmada today: Narendra Modi"
Quote"This was a dream for many years. Thank the people for their support and suggestions: Narendra Modi"
Quote"After Chanakya if there was a Maha Purush who integrated the nation it was Sardar Patel: Narendra Modi"
Quote"Nation is bigger than any party. To associate Sardar Patel only with any party is great injustice: Narendra Modi"
Quote"A few days ago, PM said the right thing. Sardar Patel was secular and we need Sardar Patel’s secularism not votebank secularism: Narendra Modi"
Quote"Narendra Modi criticizes centre and PM for delay in installing gates on Narmada Dam"

On the morning of 31st October 2013, which is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Birth Anniversary, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Statue of Unity. Former Deputy Prime Minister of India and Lok Sabha MP from Gandhinagar Shri LK Advaniji was present on the occasion. The Statue of Unity is a statue to commemorate the Iron Man of India and India’s first Deputy PM Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Statue will be 182 metres and would be built on the banks of the Narmada River. Narendra Modi described this occasion as historic and described the Statue of Unity as a grand effort to integrate our future with our glorious history. “Our society needs to be conscious about its history and through this statue we want to give a perspective to the future. This will be both a Prerna Teeth (centre of inspiration) and a Pravasan Dham (tourism sport) for the people…this Statue is not because of the dam or because Sardar Patel belonged to Gujarat. The dream is much bigger. It will draw the world to India,” Shri Modi affirmed.

Narendra Modi gave a clarion call for national unity in his speech and said India’s specialty is the unity in diversity. He said:


“BhashaAnek, Bhav Ek. Rajya Anek, Rashtra Ek. PanthAnek, Lakshya Ek. BoliAnek, Svar Ek. Rang Anek, Tiranga Ek. Samaj Anek, Bharat Ek. RivajAnek, Sanskar Ek. KaryaAnek, Sankalp Ek. Rah Anek, Manzil Ek.ChehreAnek, Muskaan Ek.”

Paying rich tributes to Sardar Patel, he stated that after Chanakya, if there was a person who integrated the entire nation it was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Narendra Modi came down heavily on the attempts by certain parties and leaders to reduce our heroes on partisan lines and said that the nation is always greater than the party (
Dal se bada Desh). In this regard Shri Modi pointed, “Were Maharana Pratap, Rajguru, Sukhdev BJP members? Will we only remember BJP members? To associate Sardar Patel with any party would be great injustice. Yes, the party was an important part of his life but his greatness transcends party lines.” Modi ji question whether an inspiring person like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar who is considered as a God by the marginalized sections of society can be associated only with a party.

Shri Modi said that he agreed with the Prime Minister when the PM said that Sardar Patel was secular and that the nation needs the secularism of Sardar Patel not the secularism of votebank politics. Modi ji pointed that the secularism of Sardar Patel integrated and did not divide the nation. Shri Modi affirmed in this regard, “Dal koi bhi ho sakta hai, dil desh ke liye hona chahiye (
party can be any but the heart must beat for the nation and every great it has produced).

He also pointed that earlier the advertisements in the newspapers ignored Sardar Patel but today there are more advertisements and this is due to the ‘Gujarat effect.”

Shri Modi came down heavily on the PM and the Centre for the delay in installing gates in the Narmada Dam, which can potentially benefit a lot of people spread across four states. He shared that Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, which have Congress and BJP governments have completed the rehabilitation work and all that is needed is for the Centre to call a meeting and give permission for the gates but for obvious reasons that is not happening. He expressed hope that Prime Minister realizes that there is no politics in the issue and he gives permission for installing the gates. Referring to the PM he avowed, “You can come for the inauguration, I will not even come but at least do it.”

During his speech Narendra Modi talked about the importance of water and termed the Sardar Sarovar Dam as the brainchild of Sardar Patel. He talked about how Kutch used to be a district of negative growth where people wanted to move away from but the Gujarat Government got water to Kutch and today the district is developing very fast. The Chief Minister stated that a decision has been taken to create a new Garudeshwar Taluka for the people of the newly created Narmada district, which will further the development journey of the people.

He also called for emerging out of the colonial mindset and position India strongly at the world level. Giving examples, he said that it was the Vajpayee Government that conducted nuclear tests that made the world take note of India. Similarly, it was the Vajpayee government that stopped the practice of presenting the budget at 5 in the evening because it was morning in Britain.

Shri Modi shared details of the initiative to gather iron implements from farmers across the nation and called for participation in the Run for Unity Programme on 15th December 2013, which is Sardar Patel’s Punya Tithi.

Shri Modi thanked the people and the various individuals and organisations that contributed towards this initiative. He shared that the Statue of Unity has been a dream for many years and many people have added colour by giving their suggestions. Shri Modi also said that a lot of Manthan has gone into the building of this statue. He specially thanked Shri LK Advani ji for gracing the occasion with his august presence.

Apart from Advani ji and Shri Modi, the top Ministers of the Gujarat Government, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs, senior officials and others were present on the occasion in large numbers.

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PM Modi’s remarks at the BRICS session: Environment, COP-30, and Global Health
July 07, 2025

Your Highness,
Excellencies,

I am glad that under the chairmanship of Brazil, BRICS has given high priority to important issues like environment and health security. These subjects are not only interconnected but are also extremely important for the bright future of humanity.

Friends,

This year, COP-30 is being held in Brazil, making discussions on the environment in BRICS both relevant and timely. Climate change and environmental safety have always been top priorities for India. For us, it's not just about energy, it's about maintaining a balance between life and nature. While some see it as just numbers, in India, it's part of our daily life and traditions. In our culture, the Earth is respected as a mother. That’s why, when Mother Earth needs us, we always respond. We are transforming our mindset, our behaviour, and our lifestyle.

Guided by the spirit of "People, Planet, and Progress”, India has launched several key initiatives — such as Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (A Tree in the Name of Mother), the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Green Hydrogen Mission, the Global Biofuels Alliance, and the Big Cats Alliance.

During India’s G20 Presidency, we placed strong emphasis on sustainable development and bridging the gap between the Global North and South. With this objective, we achieved consensus among all countries on the Green Development Pact. To encourage environment-friendly actions, we also launched the Green Credits Initiative.

Despite being the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India is the first country to achieve its Paris commitments ahead of schedule. We are also making rapid progress toward our goal of achieving Net Zero by 2070. In the past decade, India has witnessed a remarkable 4000% increase in its installed capacity of solar energy. Through these efforts, we are laying a strong foundation for a sustainable and green future.

Friends,

For India, climate justice is not just a choice, it is a moral obligation. India firmly believes that without technology transfer and affordable financing for countries in need, climate action will remain confined to climate talk. Bridging the gap between climate ambition and climate financing is a special and significant responsibility of developed countries. We take along all nations, especially those facing food, fuel, fertilizer, and financial crises due to various global challenges.

These countries should have the same confidence that developed countries have in shaping their future. Sustainable and inclusive development of humanity cannot be achieved as long as double standards persist. The "Framework Declaration on Climate Finance” being released today is a commendable step in this direction. India fully supports this initiative.

Friends,

The health of the planet and the health of humanity are deeply intertwined. The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that viruses do not require visas, and solutions cannot be chosen based on passports. Shared challenges can only be addressed through collective efforts.

Guided by the mantra of 'One Earth, One Health,' India has expanded cooperation with all countries. Today, India is home to the world’s largest health insurance scheme "Ayushman Bharat”, which has become a lifeline for over 500 million people. An ecosystem for traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, and Siddha has been established. Through Digital Health initiatives, we are delivering healthcare services to an increasing number of people across the remotest corners of the country. We would be happy to share India’s successful experiences in all these areas.

I am pleased that BRICS has also placed special emphasis on enhancing cooperation in the area of health. The BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre, launched in 2022, is a significant step in this direction. The Leader’s Statement on "BRICS Partnership for Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases” being issued today shall serve as new inspiration for strengthening our collaboration.

Friends,

I extend my sincere gratitude to all participants for today’s critical and constructive discussions. Under India’s BRICS chairmanship next year, we will continue to work closely on all key issues. Our goal will be to redefine BRICS as Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability. Just as we brought inclusivity to our G-20 Presidency and placed the concerns of the Global South at the forefront of the agenda, similarly, during our Presidency of BRICS, we will advance this forum with a people-centric approach and the spirit of ‘Humanity First.’

Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Lula on this successful BRICS Summit.

Thank you very much.