Sardar Vallabhai Patel's role in national integrity recalled

The role of 'iron man' Sardar Vallabhai Patel in national unity and integrity is second only to that of 'Chanikya', Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday.

Paying tributes to the former home minister on his 140 birth anniversary in New Delhi he said, "We cannot forget Sardar Patel's contribution to keep the country united." He recalled Patel's contribution in working with princely states and convincing them to join the Indian union.

The day is being celebrated as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day)

He administered a pledge to thousands of people, after paying tributes at Sardar Vallabhai Patel statue on Parliament Street. The Prime Minister later flagged of a 'Run for Unity' on the Rajpath road in which people from all walks of the society participated.