On the occasion of National Unity Day, Prime Minister Narendar Modi on Sunday paid tribute to India’s first deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The day marks his 146th birth anniversary.

“Today the nation is paying tribute to Sardar Patel who sacrificed every moment of his life for ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat’. Sardar Patel ji does not just live in history but also in the hearts of all Indians,” said PM Modi in a video message today.

Addressing the nation, PM said that India is becoming fully capable of meeting any internal and external challenges. He further added that on every front; land, air, water, space, India’s capabilities are now unprecedented.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah salutes the statue of Sardar Patel in Kevadia, Gujarat. On the occassion, he remembered Sardar Patel’s contribution in making Lakshwadeep a part of India.

Coinciding with the National Unity Day, over 260 personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were on Sunday awarded the Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal. The medals were rewarded for various special operations carried by these personnels in Eastern Ladakh. This is the highest number of Special operation’s medal to ITBP or any organization.