Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to India’s first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, hailing him as one of the greatest luminaries of modern times on Sunday.
Addressing the 127th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’, Modi said that Patel made unparalleled efforts for the nation’s unity and integrity.
“Sardar Patel was one of the nation’s greatest figures in modern times. His towering personality embodied many qualities. He was an exceptionally bright student, excelling in his studies both in India and Britain. He also became one of the most successful lawyers of his time,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister highlighted Patel’s “historic” tenure as the head of the Ahmedabad Municipality, saying, “He accorded top priority to cleanliness and good governance. We will all be forever indebted to him for his contributions as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.”
He stressed Patel’s contribution to the freedom movement, especially the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 and the Borsad Satyagraha of 1923 against the unjust land tax imposed by the Britishers.
“Inspired by Gandhiji, Sardar Patel dedicated himself completely to the freedom movement. His contributions to numerous movements, from the Kheda Satyagraha to the Borsad Satyagraha, are still remembered today,” the PM said.
Modi said that Sardar Patel made a significant contribution in laying a strong foundation for the nation’s bureaucratic framework, urging citizens to participate in the ‘Run for Unity’ being organised across the country to honour Patel on his birth anniversary.
“Sardar Patel also laid a strong foundation for India’s bureaucratic framework. He made unparalleled efforts for the unity and integrity of the country. I urge all of you to participate in the Run for Unity, being held across the country on October 31, Sardar’s birth anniversary,” PM Modi added.