‘Architect of Akhand Bharat’: PM Modi, Amit Shah pay tribute to Sardar Patel

On the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Statue of Unity in Gujarat to pay floral tributes. National Unity Day, observed across the country on this day, commemorates Patel's efforts in preserving India's national integration after gaining independence. Patel had played a critical role in unifying hundreds of princely states into the Indian Union.

In a post on X, Modi hailed Patel as the "architect of Akhand Bharat" and the "Iron Man of the nation," underscoring his contributions to creating a strong, united, and prosperous India. The Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Patel, referring to him as the "architect of modern India" and the "symbol of national unity and integrity."

Shah emphasized Patel's role in weaving together a nation divided into princely states into a single entity. Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, Patel served as India's first Home Minister after independence and oversaw the integration of over 560 princely states. He passed away on December 15, 1950.