India, Dec. 15 -- The Government of India has issued a release:

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today paid his respectful homage to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on his 75th death anniversary. He said that Sardar Patel dedicated his entire life to unifying the nation and weaving India into a single thread of unity.

Shri Modi noted that Sardar Patel's unparalleled contribution to the creation of an integrated and strong India will forever remain etched in the nation's collective memory.

The Prime Minister observed that Sardar Patel's life continues to offer a special inspiration for building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He noted that the spirit of national unity instilled by the Iron Man of India remains a powerful source ...