PM Modi, Shah, LG Sinha Pay Tribute to Sardar Patel on 75th Punyatithi

New Delhi, Dec 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday paid rich tributes to Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his death anniversary, recalling his monumental contribution to India’s unity and nation-building.

In a message posted on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “My respectful salutations to the Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 75th Punyatithi. He devoted his life to uniting the country. The grateful nation can never forget his incomparable contribution to building an undivided and strong India.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah described Sardar Patel as a symbol of national unity and the architect of a strong India. He said that despite numerous challenges, Patel unified a fragmented nation after Independence and gave it the firm shape of a strong and secure country. As India’s first Home Minister, Shah said, Sardar Patel dedicated his life to ensuring internal security, stability and peace.

Shah further noted that by strengthening the cooperative movement and empowering women and farmers, Sardar Patel laid the foundation of a self-reliant India. “Guided by the principle of ‘Nation First’, Sardar Sahib will continue to inspire us like a guiding star,” he said.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also paid homage to the leader, saying, “Humble tribute to the great unifier of India, Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ji, on his Punyatithi. His ideals of unity, integrity and nation-building continue to guide us in building a stronger and self-reliant India.”

Leaders across the country remembered Sardar Patel as the Iron Man of India, whose vision and determination played a decisive role in integrating the nation and strengthening its foundations.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is remembered for unifying more than 500 princely states into the Indian Union after Independence. As the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, he laid the foundations of a robust administrative framework by establishing the All India Services, including the IAS and IPS, and strengthening India’s unity and governance.

Sardar Patel passed away on December 15, 1950, in Bombay (now Mumbai) after suffering a massive heart attack, marking the end of a life devoted to India’s independence, unity and nation-building. (Agencies)