Called the ‘Iron Man of India’, Patel was known most importantly for his uncompromising vision of integrating the country beyond differences. His birthday on October 31, is, therefore, commemorated as National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
Paying their tribute to the man, the Press Information Bureau’s Facebook page has shared a stunning video dedicated to Patel, with the caption, “A tribute to Iron Man of India, #SardarVallabhbhaiPatel on #RashtriyaEktaDiwas today, for welding us into a single nation”.
The video, shot at Mumbai’s Gateway of India, shows a violinist performing the popular national patriotic song Sare Jahan se Accha, who then is joined by a Kathakali artiste and others, making for a colourful gathering. People throng towards the artistes to join in the celebrations — exactly how Patel would probably have wanted — people coming together keeping their differences aside.
Prime Minister Modi’s message at the end of the video is loud and clear — “Ek bhaarat, shresht bhaarat.”
