Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 75th death anniversary, describing the Iron Man of India as a towering leader whose unparalleled contribution to nation-building will never be forgotten by a grateful nation.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “My respectful salutations to the Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on his 75th death anniversary. He dedicated his life to weaving the country into a single thread. The grateful nation can never forget his unparalleled contribution to the creation of an undivided and strong Bharatvarsha.”
“The 75th death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sardar Patel is also a special occasion to draw inspiration for Atmanirbhar Bharat. The sense of national unity that he instilled in the countrymen is a source of energy for ‘Viksit Bharat’. His unparalleled role in nation-building will continue to serve as a pathfinder for a strong and capable India,” the Prime Minister added.
Born on October 31, 1875, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel served as independent India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. He is widely regarded as the architect of India’s national integration and a key force behind the establishment of modern civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid homage to Sardar Patel. In a post on X, Shah said, “I pay homage to the symbol of national unity, the architect of a strong India, the Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ji, on his death anniversary.”
“Sardar Sahab unified a fragmented independent India into a strong nation despite numerous adverse circumstances. As the country’s first Home Minister, he made the protection of Mother India, internal stability, and the establishment of peace the goal of his life. By reviving the cooperative movement and laying the foundation of a self-reliant India through the self-reliance of women and farmers, Sardar Sahab will continue to guide us all like a pole star on the path of nation first,” he added.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan recalled the immense contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, in the integration of the princely states and in laying the foundation of the All India Services, which significantly strengthened the unity and administrative framework of the nation.
The Vice-President said that Sardar Patel’s leadership successfully addressed the formidable challenge of uniting a nation marked by vast linguistic, cultural and regional diversity, an achievement that remains unparalleled and far exceeds comparable efforts anywhere else in the world.
He further said that Sardar Patel’s enduring legacy continues to inspire the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and guides the nation in its journey towards a Viksit Bharat.
A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel led several mass movements during the freedom struggle, including the Kheda Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement, and was known for his powerful oratory and organisational skills.
Meanwhile, as India marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas – the Centre has announced year-long celebrations in his honour. The commemorations include cultural programmes, unity runs and various events highlighting the legacy of the Iron Man of India and his enduring message of national unity.
