PM Modi Pays Tribute to Sardar Patel, Calls Him a Pillar of India’s Unity and Integrity
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid rich tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Union Home Minister, describing him as one of the greatest luminaries of modern India who made unmatched contributions to the nation’s unity and integrity.
Speaking during the 127th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, “Sardar Patel was one of the most eminent figures in modern India. His towering personality was marked by brilliance, determination, and service. He was an exceptional student, excelling both in India and Britain, and went on to become one of the most successful lawyers of his era.”
Ahead of Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, the Prime Minister reflected on his monumental role in shaping the country’s destiny. “We will always remain indebted to him for his invaluable service as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. His leadership as the head of the Ahmedabad Municipality was also historic, as he prioritised cleanliness and good governance,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister also recalled Sardar Patel’s key role in India’s freedom movement, especially in the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 and the Borsad Satyagraha of 1923, which challenged oppressive land taxes imposed by the British. “Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel dedicated himself wholly to the freedom struggle. His courage and commitment in movements like Kheda and Borsad continue to inspire generations,” he added.
Highlighting Patel’s role in establishing a strong administrative foundation for independent India, PM Modi noted, “Sardar Patel laid the groundwork for India’s bureaucratic framework and worked tirelessly to unify the nation.”
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister urged citizens to participate in the Run for Unity on October 31 to honour the ‘Iron Man of India’. “Let us celebrate his legacy by joining the Run for Unity being held across the country on his birth anniversary,” he said.
