Modis Tribute to Sardar Patel Highlighted by Relative During Gujarat Visit

New Delhi, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : Bhupendra Manubhai Patel, a relative of India’s first Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, recounted a memorable encounter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent event in Gujarat. He expressed his surprise and gratitude that Modi remembered his family and arranged a personal meeting with them.

Sharing details on the social media platform X, Bhupendra Patel reflected on how he never imagined that the Prime Minister would acknowledge them. He commended Modi for recognizing and appreciating Sardar Patel’s contributions to the nation, despite not being affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or its political ideology.

“Perhaps no one has honored Sardar Patel as much as Narendra Bhai has,” he remarked, noting that Patel was from an opposing party. Bhupendra Patel believes that Modi’s admiration for Sardar Patel’s work is evident, describing the Prime Minister as equally visionary.

He also recounted a story about Sardar Patel’s time in Delhi, involving a lifelong friend who participated in the Bardoli Satyagraha. When this friend visited, Sardar Patel warmly welcomed him and personally showed him around the city for two days. However, when it was time for his friend to leave, Patel insisted on hiring a private taxi for the journey, which surprised his daughter, Maniben. Patel explained, “The car belongs to the government, and not a single rupee of public money will be spent on personal matters.”

This anecdote highlights Sardar Patel’s strong commitment to public accountability and his dedication to ensuring that government resources are never used for private convenience. Bhupendra Patel drew parallels between Sardar Patel’s principles and Modi’s approach to public life, stating that the Prime Minister upholds similar standards of honesty and dedication to the nation.

In his post, he noted that decades later, Modi continues to embody the ideals of unwavering public loyalty. From paying attention to the smallest details for party workers to honoring Sardar Patel with a grand statue symbolizing unity, Modi not only celebrates Patel’s legacy but also lives by his ideals of foresight, discipline, and complete devotion to the nation.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is widely remembered for his decisive leadership in integrating hundreds of princely states into the Indian Union after independence, earning him the title of “Iron Man of India.” India commemorates National Unity Day on October 31 each year, marking Patel’s birth anniversary and his significant role in unifying the country post-independence.