On October 31, Prime Minister Modi paid his respects to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. In a post on social media, the Prime Minister reflected on Sardar Patel's visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to shaping India's destiny, stating, “On the Jayanti of Sardar Patel, we remember his indomitable spirit, visionary statesmanship, and the extraordinary dedication with which he shaped the destiny of our nation. His commitment to national integration continues to guide us. We are forever indebted to his service." The Prime Minister, who is currently in Gujarat, also visited the Statue of Unity and laid floral tributes at Sardar Patel's statue.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and a host of dignitaries also paid their respects to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary at the Patel Chowk in the capital.
Home Minister Amit Shah, in a social media post, paid tribute to the 'Iron Man' Sardar Patel and highlighted that unity and the prosperity of India were the central goals of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's life.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commemorated the great freedom fighter and India's first Home Minister, Sardar Patel, on his birth anniversary, acknowledging his role in uniting India into one nation and creating various institutions to serve the nation. Singh stated, "We remain eternally inspired by his exceptional contributions to our nation."
The Congress Party also paid homage to the 'Iron Man' and Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary.
Born in Gujarat in 1875, Patel, a lawyer, emerged as a prominent Congress leader and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi during the struggle for independence. As India's first home minister after gaining independence, he is credited with uniting numerous princely states into the Union through a combination of persuasion and firmness. His birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
