New Delhi, April 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed on the 115th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Prahladji Patel at Becharaji, Gujarat via a video message. Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendrabhai Patel was among those present on the occasion. Prime Minister paid homage to the glorious land of Becharaji and bowed to the memory of the freedom fighter, social worker Prahladji Patel. Prime Minister noted Prahladji Patel’s generosity in social service and his sacrifice. The freedom fighter joined the freedom struggle on the call of Mahatma Gandhi and underwent imprisonment in Sabarmati and Yerawada, the PMO said. Prime Minister narrated the incident which symbolised the spirit of ‘nation first’ in Prahladji Patel. Patel’s father passed away when he was incarcerated but Prahladji Patel did not accept the conditions of apology that were put forward by the colonial rulers for allowing him to perform the last rites. He also supported many freedom fighters who were fighting underground. Prime Minister also underlined the role of Prahladji Patel in helping Sardar Patel in merger of princely states after independence. Prime Minister lamented that many such great freedom fighters do not find any mention in the history books, the PMO said. Prime Minister also paid tributes to Prahladji Patel’s wife Kashi Ba. He said that documentation of life and working style of great personalities is very important as it inspires the young generation. Modi appealed to all the versities to research and publish the unknown aspects of the freedom fighters. We should remember freedom fighters like Prahladji Patel in the enterprise of building New India, the Prime Minister said. ASU SHK2140