Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday credited India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for uniting the nation into one, and pointed out that without him, Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi seemed incomplete.
"Sardar Patel joined Mahatma Gandhi and integrated farmers in the freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel...their bond remained unbreakable. Mahatma Gandhi seemed incomplete without Sardar Patel. Theirs was a unique partnership that bolstered fight for independence," said Prime Minister Modi at Vijay Chowk here.
Patel's contribution in converting over 500 princely states into one nation can never be forgotten, Prime Minister Modi said.
"The British wanted to divide the country, but Sardar Patel, using his diplomatic and political skills, united India. Through his skill, vision and Rashtra Bhakti, Sardar Patel integrated the nation. We can never forget his contribution," he said.
Prime Minister Modi also drew parallels between Patel and Chanakya. He said, "Centuries ago, Chanakya was known to have united various kingdoms. After Chanakya, it was Sardar Patel."
Highlighting the role that history plays in any nation, he said, "A country that forgets its history, can't ever make history. We should not ever forget that we should not drag our legacy into ideology."
He also reminded the countrymen about India's legacy of Unity in Diversity and asked people to rise above differences.
"Our culture and legacy is of 'Unity in Diversity'. Let us rise over differences of creed, community and language," he said.
Remembering former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary which coincided on the same day, he pointed that it was on the same day the nation lost her.
Later on, he flagged off a "Run for Unity" from Vijay Chowk after addressing participants of the run and administering a unity pledge.
Several Union Minister among others were present on the occasion and joined him.
The 139th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel today is being celebrated as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' or National Unity Day across the nation.
The "Run for Unity" will end at India Gate on Rajpath.
A function to pay floral tribute to Sardar Patel will also be held at Patel Chowk, in New Delhi.
In the evening, a 'March-Past' by the Police, the central paramilitary forces and other organizations like the NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides, Home Guards, will also be held on the streets of major cities and district towns.
