NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 151st birth anniversary, remembering his pivotal role in bringing together the princely states and shaping India’s unity after Independence.Marking National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas), PM Modi recalled Patel’s contribution to nation-building, describing him as the architect of Akhand Bharat and the Iron Man of India.In a post on X, the prime minister said Patel dedicated his life to building a strong, prosperous and capable nation. He added that the leader’s sacrifices and commitment to the country continued to inspire efforts towards a developed and self-reliant India.
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Union home minister Amit Shah also paid floral tributes to Patel and attended the ‘Run for Unity’ event at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Friday.Addressing the gathering, he said Patel’s birth anniversary has been observed as National Unity Day since Narendra Modi became prime minister in 2014, highlighting his contribution to integrating the country after Independence.Recalling the challenges India faced at the time of Independence, Shah said political observers across the world had predicted that the country would disintegrate.“At the time we attained independence, political pundits across the globe predicted that India would fall apart. Yet, in the 1,218 days following independence, Sardar Patel accomplished what everyone had deemed impossible,” Shah said.He added that Patel achieved in just 1,218 days what even a group of leaders might not have accomplished in a lifetime, forging a united India.