Paying tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his death anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed him as the “iron man” of India who laid the foundation of a strong and prosperous India.
He said, “Tribute to Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who laid the foundation of a strong and prosperous India, on his death anniversary. The path shown by him will always inspire us to protect the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.”
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a freedom fighter became India’s first home minister and deputy prime minister of India, is known for unifying 562 princely states with the Union of India following independence through a mix of persuasion, dialogue and even use of force when required.
Prime Minister Modi has often expressed his deep admiration and respect for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and has been the brain behind the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.
In 2018, PM Modi inaugurated “Statue of Unity” to pay tribute to the freedom fighter near Sardar Sarovar Dam at Narmada district, Gujrat.
The statue is 182 m tall, the world’s tallest. It is twice the height of the Statue of Liberty in the US and taller than the 153-metre Spring Temple Buddha in China.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel passed away on December 15, 1950.
