India
PM Modi and Amit Shah Honor Sardar Patel on 151st Birth Anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Saturday, marking the 151st anniversary of the leader’s birth. Modi, speaking on the occasion of National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas), recalled Patel’s pivotal role in bringing together the princely states and shaping India’s unity after independence. He described Patel as the architect of Akhand Bharat and the Iron Man of India, noting that the leader dedicated his life to building a strong, prosperous, and capable nation. Modi added that Patel’s sacrifices and commitment continue to inspire efforts toward a developed and self‑reliant India.
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, Shah said Patel’s birth anniversary has been observed as National Unity Day since Modi became prime minister in 2014, highlighting Patel’s contribution to integrating the country after independence. He recalled that political observers worldwide had predicted India would disintegrate after independence, but in the 1,218 days following independence Patel achieved what many thought impossible, forging a united India. The remarks were made by Shah during the event.
The article was written by Priyanka Jaiswal, a digital journalist with The Times of India, who covers public policy, politics and global affairs.