Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan today paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the occasion of his 75th death anniversary. In a social media post, the Vice-President said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a pivotal role in the integration of the princely states and in laying the foundation of the All India Services, thereby strengthening the unity and administrative framework of the nation.

Describing him as the Iron Man of India, Mr Radhakrishnan said that Patel’s leadership addressed the formidable challenge of bringing together a nation marked by immense linguistic, cultural, and regional diversity.

The Vice-President said that the works of Sardar Patel is an achievement that stands unparalleled and far exceeds comparable efforts elsewhere in the world. Further, Mr Radhakrishnan added that his enduring legacy continues to inspire the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and guides the nation in its journey towards a Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that Sardar Patel dedicated his life to weaving the country into a single thread. He said that the nation will always remember his contribution to the creation of an undivided and strong Bharatvarsha.

Home Minister Amit Shah, paying homage, said that Sardar Patel unified a fragmented independent India into a strong nation despite numerous adverse circumstances. Mr Shah said that as the country’s first Home Minister, Sardar Patel made the security of Mother India, internal stability and establishment of peace the goal of his life.

The Minister said that Sardar Patel revived the cooperative movement and laid the foundation of a self-reliant India through the self-reliance of women and farmers. He added that Patel will continue to guide countrymen like a pole star on the path of nation first.