'50 Crore Indians beat poverty, those who promised ‘garibi hatao’ grew richer': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that around 50 crore Indians had moved out of poverty in the 10 to 12 years leading up to 2024, citing a World Bank report. Addressing the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, he also criticised previous governments over their approach to poverty alleviation.

“Those who raised the slogan of 'Garibi Hatao' grew wealthier themselves. The situation began to change in the past few years; just a few days ago, a World Bank report was released. This report indicates that in the ten to twelve years prior to 2024, 50 crore Indians defeated poverty,” PM Modi said.

He added that the proportion of people living in extreme poverty had fallen significantly.

“In other words, where previously 27 out of 100 people, more than a quarter, were in the grip of extreme poverty, today this number has steadily reduced to less than three out of 100 people,” the Prime Minister said.

Addressing the gathering at the Parade Ground in Narmada district, PM Modi said this year's celebrations were different as the main programme was held in the evening instead of the usual morning schedule. He noted that millions of people had taken part in the 'Run for Unity' earlier in the day, demonstrating their commitment to national solidarity.

“There is pride in being a citizen of this great nation, and gratitude towards Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who united more than 550 princely states after independence and bound this nation into a thread of unity with his iron resolve,” the Prime Minister said. 

He said India had managed to shield its citizens from the impact of the global energy crisis, despite predictions of severe disruption due to the country's large population and dependence on imported petroleum.

“Wars have broken out among multiple nations across the world. The economies of large and powerful nations are struggling through immense difficulties. The crisis of resources is continuously growing, and the global supply chain is scattered and disrupted,” PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the National Unity Pledge at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The ceremony brought together police and security personnel from across the country, with participants reaffirming their commitment to protecting India's unity, integrity and security.

PM Modi also highlighted the importance of unity and the republican system, saying, “A republic keeps us accountable to the public, and unity gives us the strength to move forward as a nation. Therefore, in our country, Independence Day, Republic Day, and Unity Day are now all three celebrated as national festivals with full enthusiasm.”

He congratulated citizens on National Unity Day and paid tribute to Patel, saying, “I bow with reverence at the feet of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.”

The Prime Minister also spoke about Patel's contribution to India's cultural and emotional unity, beyond the integration of princely states. Referring to the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, PM Modi said Patel had helped initiate the country's cultural resurgence.

“Sardar Patel did not merely connect the geography of the country; he also bound the nation into a thread of emotional unity. Through the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, he also initiated the cultural resurgence of the nation,” he said.

Noting that 75 years had passed since the reconstruction effort, PM Modi referred to the Somnath Swabhimaan Parv being observed this year. He said the temple's flag had continued to fly with self-respect despite attempts by invaders to destroy it, and that the same spirit had inspired the celebrations.

During the ceremony, the audience was asked to stand, extend their right hands and repeat the National Unity Pledge after the Prime Minister.

“I solemnly pledge that I will dedicate myself to preserving the unity, integrity and security of the nation and also strive to spread this message among my fellow countrymen,” the oath stated.

Participants also recalled Patel's vision and contribution to national integration and pledged to help safeguard the country's internal security. The ceremony concluded with the slogan “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.

The proceedings began with the arrival of the national flag, as the audience stood while uniformed personnel presented the salute. The national flag guard was commanded by Assistant Commandant Mrudula Lingaraju, described by officials as the Border Security Force's first woman parachute-trained officer. The guard has led the national flag contingent at the National Unity Day parade for the fifth consecutive year.

The programme also featured a presentation of the flags of India's police forces, symbolising their commitment to internal security and service to the nation. The presentation was directed by Lokesh Anand and Yogesh Solanki.

Police and security personnel from different parts of the country took part in the march-past, with a special focus on those involved in operations against Left-Wing Extremism and the Union government's campaign to make India 'Naxal-free'.

Observed every year on October 31, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas marks Sardar Patel's birth anniversary and commemorates his role in integrating more than 550 princely states into the Indian Union after Independence. The annual celebrations are held at Ekta Nagar, near the Statue of Unity, to reinforce the message of national unity and integrity and renew the commitment to building a strong and self-reliant India.