New Delhi: India on Saturday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 151st birth anniversary, commemorating the contributions of the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister to national unity, territorial integrity and nation-building. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered floral tributes at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, while President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and other leaders honoured the national leader at a commemorative event in the national capital.
Patel’s birth anniversary is observed across India as National Unity Day, or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, in recognition of his pivotal role in bringing together the princely states after Independence and laying the foundations of a united India.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi described Patel as the architect of Akhand Bharat and the Iron Man of the nation, highlighting his lifelong dedication to building a strong, prosperous and capable India.
“On his birth anniversary, heartfelt greetings to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of Akhand Bharat and the Iron Man of the nation. He dedicated his life to creating a strong, prosperous and capable India. His sacrifice and dedication in the service of Bharat Mata remain a profound source of inspiration for building a developed and self-reliant India,” Modi said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Patel and extended greetings to citizens on National Unity Day. Describing him as the architect of modern India and a symbol of national unity and integrity, Shah recalled Patel’s courage and foresight in integrating the princely states into the Indian Union.
In his message on X, Shah highlighted Patel’s contribution to establishing the All India Services, which helped provide a strong administrative foundation for the country. He also recalled Patel’s leadership in the Kheda and Bardoli Satyagrahas, which played an important role in mobilising farmers and advancing their rights.
“With his indomitable courage and foresight, Sardar Sahib united a country divided into princely states, laid the foundation for a strong India and strengthened the country’s administrative system by establishing the All India Services,” Shah said. He described Patel’s struggle for farmers’ rights through the Kheda and Bardoli movements as an outstanding example of public service and leadership.
Shah further said Patel’s sacrifice, dedication and patriotism would continue to inspire citizens to place national interests above all else and contribute to building an “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” — One India, Great India.
Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan joined other dignitaries in offering floral tributes to Patel at a commemorative programme in New Delhi. The leaders recalled his extraordinary contribution to national unity and his decisive role in consolidating India after Independence.
As India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Patel played a crucial role in integrating the princely states into the Indian Union. His efforts to bring hundreds of princely territories together remain one of the defining achievements of India’s post-Independence history.
Patel’s legacy continues to be commemorated through National Unity Day, reinforcing the importance of national integration, unity and the preservation of India’s territorial integrity.
