English
English
English
At Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary event, PM Modi praised the ‘Iron Man’ for uniting India-but his sharp remarks on Congress and Article 370 stirred a new political storm. What did he say? Full story here
PM Modi offered prayers and paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel.
Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led the national celebration marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat.
The day, observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), was commemorated with a series of events celebrating India’s unity, strength, and cultural diversity.
Arriving at the venue early in the morning, PM Modi offered prayers and paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel at the towering Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue. The Prime Minister later participated in the Ekta Diwas Samaroh, which featured a parade, cultural performances, and tributes to the “Iron Man of India.”
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas reminds us of Sardar Patel's unmatched dedication to national unity and integration. May the spirit of oneness continue to guide our nation. https://t.co/S7Ad8zCz0B
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2025
In a post shared on X, PM Modi hailed Sardar Patel as the driving force behind India’s political integration and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to his vision.
“India pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th Jayanti. He was the driving force behind India’s integration, shaping our nation’s destiny in its formative years. His commitment to integrity, good governance, and public service continues to inspire generations,” he wrote.
Paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the ‘Statue of Unity’ in Kevadia.
SoU is a monumental tribute to Sardar Patel and his vision towards India’s unity and strength. Standing tall as the world’s tallest statue, it is a symbol of national pride and collective resolve to… pic.twitter.com/T4V6YOEDqo
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2025
The Prime Minister also emphasized the need to uphold Patel’s vision of a united, strong, and self-reliant India, a goal his government continues to pursue through national integration and developmental policies.
During his address at the event, PM Modi paid tribute to Patel’s monumental role in unifying more than 550 princely states after Independence.
“After 1947, Sardar Patel accomplished the seemingly impossible task of bringing over 550 princely states under one flag. For him, the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ was paramount,” he said.
PM Modi also drew historical contrasts, stating that Patel wanted to integrate the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir with India, but political decisions of that time prevented it. He alleged that the Congress government’s mistakes led to decades of unrest in Kashmir.
“Due to Congress’s weak policies, part of Kashmir fell under illegal occupation of Pakistan. Pakistan nurtured terrorism, and the country had to bear the cost for decades,” he remarked.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to internal security, PM Modi vowed to eliminate Naxalism and illegal infiltration from the country. He criticized previous governments for lacking seriousness in safeguarding India’s sovereignty after Patel’s death.
Remembering Indira Gandhi: Courage, Controversy, And Leadership Of The ‘Iron Lady Of India’
“Instead of following Sardar Sahib’s policies, the governments of that era chose a spineless approach,” he said, adding that the current administration is determined to expel every illegal infiltrator and restore full security across the nation.
The event concluded with a pledge to uphold Sardar Patel’s ideals of unity and nation-building. PM Modi reiterated that Patel’s vision of a united India remains the foundation of the country’s strength today.
As the Statue of Unity stood tall against the morning sky, the celebrations served as a reminder of Sardar Patel’s enduring legacy- a leader whose iron resolve shaped the map of modern India.
