NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on the occasion of the former deputy prime minister’s 151st birth anniversary. The day is observed across the country as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), commemorating Patel’s contribution to India’s national integration after Independence.Patel had played a pivotal role in bringing hundreds of princely states into the Indian Union.
PM Modi calls Patel architect of Akhand Bharat
In a post on X, the Prime Minister described Patel as the “architect of Akhand Bharat and the Iron Man of the nation”, highlighting his contribution to building a strong and united India.“On the occasion of his birth anniversary, heartfelt salutations to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of Akhand Bharat and the Iron Man of the nation. He dedicated his life to the creation of a strong, prosperous, and capable India,” PM Modi said.He further said Patel’s “sacrifice and dedication in the service of Mother India” continued to serve as an inspiration for building a developed and self-reliant India.The Prime Minister also emphasised Patel’s enduring contribution to nation-building, saying his commitment to the country remained a source of inspiration for future generations.Union home minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Patel and extended greetings to citizens on National Unity Day.In a post on X, Shah described Patel as the “architect of modern India” and “the symbol of national unity and integrity”.“On the birth anniversary of the architect of modern India, the symbol of national unity and integrity, the Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ji, we offer him millions of salutations and extend our heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens on ‘National Unity Day’,” Shah said.Crediting Patel’s courage and foresight with India’s political integration, Shah said the leader had brought together a nation fragmented into princely states.“With his indomitable courage and foresight, Sardar Sahab wove together a nation fragmented into princely states into a single thread, laying the foundation of a strong India,” he said.
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Shah also highlighted Patel’s contribution to strengthening India’s administrative framework through the establishment of the All India Services.
Patel’s legacy and National Unity Day
Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, Patel served as India’s first home minister after Independence. He is widely credited with overseeing the integration of more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union. He died on December 15, 1950.HM Shah also recalled Patel’s role in farmers’ movements, particularly the Kheda and Bardoli Satyagrahas, describing his struggle for farmers’ rights as an “unparalleled example of public service and leadership”.The Centre has observed October 31 as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas since 2014 to commemorate Patel’s contribution and reinforce the country’s commitment to unity, integrity and security.