The birth anniversary of first deputy Prime Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is being observed as National Unity Day across the country today. Paying tributes to Sardar Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Sardar Patel's life is a journey of deep-rooted courage, dedication and service to the Motherland. He said, Sardar Patel is truly the architect of Modern India.

In his address at Vijay Chowk, Prime Minister said that India and its citizens can never forget the contribution of Sardar Patel as he integrated the nation through his skill, vision and Rashtra Bhakti. Mr Modi said, the country's culture and legacy is of Unity in Diversity. He asked the citizens to rise over differences of caste, creed, community and language. He also administered the Unity Pledge to the people. Earlier, Mr Modi paid floral tributes at the statue of independent India's first home minister at Patel Chowk in Parliament Street.

Prime Minister also flagged off the grand marathon the ‘Run for Unity’ in the National capital, from Vijay Chowk to India Gate on Rajpath this morning. A Pledge taking ceremony is being organized in all government offices, to observe the day. Educational Institutions have organised various events on the birth anniversary. In the evening a ‘March-Past’ by the Police, the Central Armed Police Forces and other organizations like the NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides, Home Guards, will also be held on the streets of major cities and district towns.