PM Modi pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 151st birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity. The commemoration highlighted Patel's enduring legacy of national integration and nation-building.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 151st birth anniversary, news agency Press Trust of India reported.

PM Modi honoured Patel at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat's Ekta Nagar on National Unity Day, which is observed every year on October 31 to commemorate the leader's birth anniversary.

In his message, PM Modi praised Patel's contribution to national integration and nation-building. He said Patel had dedicated his life to creating a strong, prosperous and capable India.

The Prime Minister said Patel's sacrifice and devotion in the service of the country were a major source of inspiration for building a developed and self-reliant India.

"Heartfelt tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the pioneer of 'Akhand Bharat' and the Iron Man of the country, on his birth anniversary. He dedicated his life to the creation of a strong, prosperous and capable India," PM Modi said, according to PTI.

Patel was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, and died on December 15, 1950. After India gained independence in 1947, he became the country's first home minister and was credited with integrating more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union.

The PM Modi government has observed October 31 as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, or National Unity Day, since 2014 to reaffirm its commitment to preserving and strengthening the country's unity, integrity and security.

PM Modi's tribute commemorated Patel's role in unifying India and his contribution to building the nation after Independence.