PM Modi Unveils Stamp and Coin on Sardar Patel’s 150th Birth Anniversary; Amit Shah Launches ‘Run for Unity’

Leaders from across the political spectrum came together to pay rich tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India,” on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary. Sardar Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, is widely regarded as the chief architect of India’s political unification following Independence. His efforts in integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union laid the foundation of a strong and united India.

To commemorate the historic occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, and took a “Pledge of Unity.” The Prime Minister also unveiled a special commemorative coin and postage stamp in Patel’s honour. In his address, Modi emphasized the significance of Patel’s vision and determination in building a united India and urged citizens to uphold his ideals of unity, strength, and integrity.

The day was observed nationwide as National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas). President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to Sardar Patel at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Gantantra Mandap and described him as “a great patriot, visionary leader, and nation-builder.” In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), President Murmu said Patel’s “historic task of unifying the country through his unwavering resolve, indomitable courage, and skillful leadership” continues to inspire generations. She added that his spirit of service and commitment to the nation is an enduring example for all citizens. The President called upon people to “come together to build a strong, harmonious, and prosperous India” in the spirit of Patel’s legacy.

In New Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ event from Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, marking the start of nationwide celebrations. Shah described the day as “a very special occasion” and highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s initiative to celebrate Patel’s 150th birth anniversary in a grand manner. He also criticized the Congress governments of the past, claiming that Sardar Patel did not receive the recognition he deserved during his lifetime. Shah pointed out that Patel was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, only after a delay of 41 years. He further noted that no major memorial had been constructed in Patel’s honour until Narendra Modi, as Chief Minister of Gujarat, conceptualized and built the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, to commemorate his contribution to national unity.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued a statement calling Sardar Patel “the sentinel of India’s unity, the architect of an undivided nation, and a great freedom fighter.” The party offered “millions of salutations” on his 150th birth anniversary and extended “heartfelt greetings” to the nation on National Unity Day.

The Congress Party also paid homage to Patel, calling him the “Iron Man of India” and acknowledging his Bharat Ratna recognition. The party said that Patel’s contribution to maintaining India’s integrity and unity would be remembered for generations. Similarly, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) lauded Patel’s willpower, political wisdom, and farsightedness, crediting him with preserving the nation’s unity and integrity in the crucial years following Independence.

Leaders across political parties described Patel as the architect of “Akhand Bharat” (United India), praising his ability to bring together diverse regions, cultures, and princely states into one nation.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also paid tribute, calling Patel’s courage, foresight, and dedication to national service exemplary. She urged all citizens to draw inspiration from his ideals and work collectively toward building a strong and developed India.

Throughout the nation, the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was celebrated as a reaffirmation of his enduring legacy — one that symbolizes unity, strength, and the spirit of a united India.