Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th birth anniversary, describing him as the architect of India’s unity and a guiding force in the nation’s formative years.
Prime Minister Modi noted that Sardar Patel’s vision of a united and self-reliant India continues to guide the nation’s progress toward strength, resilience, and inclusive development.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “India pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th Jayanti. He was the driving force behind India’s integration, thus shaping our nation’s destiny in its formative years. His unwavering commitment to national integrity, good governance and public service continues to inspire generations. We also reaffirm our collective resolve to uphold his vision of a united, strong and self-reliant India(sic)."
PM Modi also paid floral tribute to Iron Man of India at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar in Gujarat.
To mark the occasion, tributes poured in from across the country, with leaders and citizens remembering Patel’s contribution to nation-building.
President Droupadi Murmu also paid homage to Patel at Sardar Patel Chowk in the national capital, offering floral tribute to honour his pivotal role in uniting the nation after Independence. Later, the President paid her respects at the Gantantra Mandap in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th birth anniversary at Sardar Patel Chowk in New Delhi. She also offered floral tribute to Sardar Patel at Gantantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan," the official handle of President of India tweeted.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to Patel, describing him as a “symbol of national unity."
“On the occasion of his birth anniversary, I pay homage to the Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ji, a symbol of national unity, integrity, and the empowerment of farmers, on behalf of a grateful nation," he wrote on X.
“Sardar Sahab strengthened the unity and security of the country by integrating the princely states and advanced the nation toward self-employment and self-reliance by connecting farmers, backward classes, and the deprived with cooperatives. His firm belief was that the axis of the country’s development lies in the prosperity of farmers. He remained dedicated throughout his life to the welfare of farmers and the protection of their rights. It is the duty of every patriot to safeguard the nation that Sardar Sahab built, bound by the principles of justice and unity," he further wrote.
Born on October 31, 1875, in Gujarat’s Nadiad, Sardar Patel played a pivotal role in uniting more than 560 princely states following Independence. As India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs, he laid the foundation for a unified and stable nation.
National Unity Day will be celebrated to mark Patel’s 150th birth anniversary at Ektanagar in Gujarat today, under the leadership of PM Modi, in collaboration with the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat.
Source: News18