​​​​​​​Ekta Nagar (Gujarat), October 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, saying that it is difficult to imagine modern India without the visionary leadership and contributions of the country's first Deputy Prime Minister.

Addressing the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, PM Modi said Patel played a crucial role in safeguarding India's territorial integrity in the turbulent aftermath of Partition in 1947. He credited Patel's leadership and determination with helping secure the nation from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean.

“Sardar Patel is a gem in India's history, without whom it is difficult to imagine today's India. He shaped India into its present form. Even after Partition, it was Sardar Patel who kept India safe from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean,” the Prime Minister said.

Highlighting Patel's contribution to national integration, Modi said that the legendary leader not only united the country geographically but also strengthened the emotional bonds among its people.

He observed that Patel's deep understanding of India's civilizational identity enabled him to recognise diversity as a source of strength rather than an obstacle to national unity.

“Sardar Patel was able to achieve this because he understood India's character and consciousness. He knew that India's diversity was not an obstacle but the real foundation of its unity. We have lived this way for thousands of years and achieved progress and prosperity through this very spirit,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of independence, republican values and national unity as the three fundamental pillars of modern India.

He said independence gives a nation the freedom to determine its future, while the republic provides direction to that freedom. The Constitution ensures accountability, and national unity gives the country the collective strength to move forward.

Explaining the significance of celebrating Independence Day, Republic Day and Rashtriya Ekta Diwas with equal enthusiasm, Modi said all three occasions reflect the core values that shape India's national identity and democratic foundations.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, or National Unity Day, is observed every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and recognise his historic contribution to India's political and territorial integration.

The occasion serves as a reminder of the importance of national sovereignty, peace and integrity while encouraging citizens to uphold the country's enduring spirit of unity in diversity.