“We walk together, we move together, we think together, we resolve together, and together we take this country forward,” is the single mantra that was taught to us during the Vedic period and that we have learned and memorised. This country has been built on such a foundation of ancient cultural heritage.
2014 saw Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji articulate his vision for a Bharat where growth is not just an objective but a shared ambition for all Indians from the ramparts of Red Fort. He had a clue about how Jan Bhagidaari would become our most potent weapon and our rightful claim to the title of Vishwa Guru in the future.
In honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man” of India, the Hon. Prime Minister celebrated a historic day on October 31st of that year by declaring it to be “Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.” Still, it was more than a date; it was a serious pledge to revive the spirit of harmony and fusion that Sardar Patel had imagined. It was a vow, an assurance, to go on in his footsteps and further the age-old principles of unity and group efforts.
It is the ideal moment to look back on the incredible journey that India has made, guided by the eternal values of unity and the powerful force of partnership, as we commemorate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas ten years later.
India has risen from the “fragile five” to the top five economies in the world because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public-centric governing philosophy. Our country is thriving and has recovered from the “lost decade” of 2004–2014, with a GDP of $3.75 trillion in 2023.
Interestingly, the Annual Financial Budget has evolved from a dry financial plan to a dynamic policy statement rooted in public aspirations under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. Through active engagement in tracking budget progress and guaranteeing effective resource utilisation, the “people’s budget” allows citizens to hold the government responsible for its financial choices.
An enhanced sense of national pride, dignity, and shared ownership have been sparked by our amazing progress. Innovative projects like the “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,” which constructed nearly 12 crore toilets to end open defecation, the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,” which promoted the rights of daughters, and the “Give it up” movement, which saw over a crore families willingly give up their LPG subsidies in order to help the less fortunate, are just a few of the many inspiring examples of “Jan Bhagidari” and “Rashtriya Ekta.”
Our Bhartiyata was revitalised by “Make in India” and “Vocal for Local,” which led to the emergence of a national movement focused on people engagement. We promoted our MSMEs, encouraging young entrepreneurship and making use of India’s enormous resources and special abilities. Since 2014, India’s electronic manufacturing has increased by 300%, transforming the country from a net importer to a significant worldwide manufacturer of mobile phones. With a record $448 billion in goods exports in FY 2022–2023 and a surge in patents, India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.
The push for a “cashless” economy and “Digital India” symbolise the digital revolution, which highlights the government’s cooperative relationship with the average person and encourages a broad acceptance of digital payments. India is now among the biggest digital marketplaces in the world, with a fintech adoption rate of 87%, significantly higher than the global average of 64%.
Since 2014, the fight against corruption has become a national movement that has recovered around Rs 2.73 lakh crore between 2015 and 2022 via the use of JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and mobile phones), exposed recipients who are not genuine, and sealed delivery system leaks that were widespread before 2014.
India’s unity and Jan Bhagidaari were once again evident during the COVID-19 epidemic. The country rapidly put preventative measures into place thanks to Prime Minister Modi’s vision. Together with the government, COVID fighters surfaced and steadied the vessel. Fast vaccination production thereafter demonstrated an empowered India, able to defend itself while at the same time providing international assistance.
“Rashtriya Ekta” was shown in action during India’s G20 Presidency, which was backed by more than one crore of its people. India’s worldwide prominence and “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” as the guide for reforming global governance were reaffirmed during the summit, guaranteeing inclusion and people-centric leadership in the “People’s G20.”
“Rashtriya Ekta Diwas” is a deep concept that empowers people and breaks away from antiquated practices, not only a day of celebration. This is democracy at work, reminiscent of Sardar Patel’s vision of a magnificent geo-cultural-political union of Maa Bharti. This ethos is echoed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s desire to include all voices in the administration. In keeping with Sardar Patel’s vision of a unified Bharat, or India, it is about national pride and bringing a varied country together! The involvement of every citizen determines our future and fosters variety, inclusion, and group power.
As we enter the auspicious era of Amrit Kaal, let us, led by Pradhan Mantri Shri Narendra Modi ji, recommit to the empowerment philosophy that transcends entitlement and serves as the cornerstone of a fully realised and fulfilled democracy. Let us celebrate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas today.
(The Union Minister of Tourism, Culture, and DoNER is the author.)
