Ontario: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue was unveiled in front of Sanatan Mandir and culture centre at Ontario on the occasion of the 62nd Gujarat Day. Ajay Bisaria, the High Commissioner Of India, Ottawa and main unveiling donors Vidya Food Inc.’s family and Smt Kamuben Cimanbhai and family performed the unveiling.
This is a fitting tribute and honour to the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of Independent India who by his skill merged more than 560 princely states in union of India. The function started by Indian traditional dances by different groups - mostly by second and third generation Indo-Canadian girls who are keeping our rich culture and heritage alive in Canada. Many dignitaries from federal, provincial and municipal govt and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
More than 600 devotees and Indo-Canadians were in attendance to show their respect to Sardar Patel. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video message was followed by message from Chief Minister of Gujarat and Mayor of city of Markham were displayed on the big screen. There were speeches by dignitaries and Sanatan Mandir’s committee members who spoke about life and contribution of Sardar Patel.
Prime Minister Modi said the statue of Sardar Patel will become a symbol of the relationship between India and Canada. Conveying his greetings on Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and Gujarat Day, he said Indians might live anywhere in the world for any number of generations but their Indian-ness and loyalty towards India never diminishes.
Indians, the Prime Minister said, work with full dedication and integrity for the country, and carry their democratic values and sense of duty with them.
