Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th birth anniversary at Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar, describing him as the architect of a united India whose vision continues to guide the nation. He said Patel’s determination and leadership after Independence made possible the integration of more than 550 princely states, an achievement that laid the foundation for India’s strength and unity today.
Speaking after reviewing the National Unity Day parade, Modi recalled Patel’s belief that one should focus on shaping history rather than merely writing it. He said Patel’s approach to governance and national integration reflected this conviction. Modi also posted on X, calling Patel the force that defined India’s destiny through his steadfast commitment to national integrity, good governance, and public service.
Modi emphasised that Patel had envisioned the complete integration of Kashmir into India, just as he had done with other princely states, but that vision was not realised because of the decisions taken by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He said Kashmir was given a separate Constitution and flag, a move that caused decades of suffering for the nation.
The Prime Minister warned that India’s unity continues to face threats from infiltrators who, for years, have been allowed to destabilise the country’s demographic structure due to political complacency. He said earlier governments had ignored the problem in the pursuit of vote-bank politics, but his administration had adopted a firm stance to defend the nation’s integrity. Modi urged citizens to use National Unity Day as a reminder to stand together and commit to removing all infiltrators from Indian soil.
He further stated that his government would not rest until Maoism was completely eliminated. Criticising the Congress, he said the party had inherited a “mentality of servitude” from the colonial rulers. Modi added that India is now actively discarding every trace of that colonial mindset and moving towards self-confidence and self-reliance.
In his closing remarks, the Prime Minister said that Sardar Patel’s life remains an enduring symbol of strength, unity, and vision. He called on the nation to continue upholding Patel’s dream of a strong, united, and self-reliant India.
