Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to India's first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat on Tuesday to mark the 148th birth anniversary of the leader. The day is being celebrated as 'National Unity Day' since 2014.
Earlier in the day, Modi also paid tributes to the leader. "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," PM Modi wrote on X.
The Prime Minister also attended the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) parade, comprising marching contingents from the Border Security Force and the state police force. Modi also witnessed the daredevil stunts performed by the CRPF all-women brigade at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah who flagged off the 'Run For Unity' in Delhi also paid tributes to Patel, stating that the country -- from Kashmir to Kanyakumari -- has been united due to the unforgettable contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Shah, who attended an event to commemorate Patel, urged all citizens to take a pledge to put the nation in the top position in the world in all sectors by 2047 when it will celebrate the centenary of its Independence.
The 'Run for Unity' which began from the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the national capital, saw over 7,700 people, including sports personalities, sports enthusiasts and personnel of central police forces, taking part in it.
Union ministers Anurag Thakur, Meenakshi Lekhi, Nityanand Rai, Ajay Kumar Mishra, Nisith Pramanik, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and others attended the event.
Patel was born on October 31, 1875, at Nadiad in Gujarat. Being the country's first home minister and deputy prime minister, Patel is credited for the merger of over 550 princely states into the Union of India. As part of the celebrations, various programmes are organised across the country, recalling Sardar Patel's contribution to the unify India.
