Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid his tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 66th death anniversary and said the nation is grateful to the latter for his role in freedom struggle and decisive leadership.
"Tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his Punya Tithi. India is grateful to him for his role in freedom struggle & decisive leadership," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.
Sardar Patel had played a leading role in the country's struggle for independence.
He successfully united the country by the unification of about 565 princely states after independence.
He served as the first home minister and deputy prime minister of India.