New Delhi, 31 October (H.S.):The nation on Saturday commemorated the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other senior leaders paid tributes to the eminent freedom fighter and statesman. The occasion is also observed across the country as National Unity Day, or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.

President Droupadi Murmu and several other dignitaries paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Ganatantra Mandap in Rashtrapati Bhavan and at Sardar Patel Chowk in New Delhi. On the occasion, the leaders remembered his historic contribution to nation-building and the political integration of India.

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan paid tribute to Sardar Patel in a post on social media platform X, describing his extraordinary life as an enduring testament to the power of national unity, unwavering determination and selfless service. He said the country was gratefully remembering Patel’s monumental contribution to nation-building on the occasion of National Unity Day. His legacy, he added, continues to guide India’s journey towards unity and progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remembering Sardar Patel, said he had dedicated his entire life to building a strong, prosperous and capable India. He added that Patel’s sacrifices and unwavering commitment to the service of the nation remained a major source of inspiration for the creation of a developed and self-reliant India.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said Sardar Patel’s vision extended beyond securing independence for India. He aspired to build a strong, self-reliant and united nation where diversity would be its strength and national unity its defining identity. Birla said National Unity Day, observed on Patel’s birth anniversary, reminded every citizen of their responsibilities towards safeguarding the country’s unity, integrity and security. He urged people to follow Patel’s ideals and contribute to building a strong, harmonious and developed India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Sardar Patel’s contribution to the freedom struggle and his role in integrating hundreds of princely states into the Indian Union after Independence reflected his exceptional courage, unwavering resolve and dedication to the nation. He added that Patel’s visionary leadership, extraordinary organisational abilities and spirit of public service would continue to inspire generations to come.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, paying tribute to Sardar Patel, said that through his indomitable courage and foresight, he had united a country divided into numerous princely states and laid the foundation of a strong nation. Shah noted that Patel had also strengthened India’s administrative framework by establishing the All India Services. His struggle for farmers’ rights through the Kheda and Bardoli Satyagrahas, he said, remained an exemplary demonstration of public service and leadership. Shah added that Patel’s sacrifice, dedication and patriotism would continue to inspire every citizen to contribute towards building ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari described Sardar Patel as a Bharat Ratna and the Iron Man of India, saying that his firm resolve and strong determination had played a significant role in shaping modern India. He said future generations would continue to draw inspiration from Patel’s contribution to the nation and his ideals for centuries.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was independent India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. He played a pivotal role in integrating hundreds of princely states into the Indian Union following Independence. For his remarkable contribution, he is remembered as the ‘Iron Man of India’ and one of the principal architects of modern India. National Unity Day, observed every year on his birth anniversary, reinforces the message of national unity, integrity and commitment to the country’s security.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar