Nation remembered the Unifier of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India, on his 146th birth anniversary today. The day is also celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day across the country. Lets listen to an excerpt from one of the speeches of Sardar Patel, where he is talking about the importance of Unity in the country.<br />'' <br />'' The President, Vice President and Prime Minister paid homage to Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary. President Ram Nath Kovind paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel at his statue at Patel Chowk in the National Capital.<br />'' <br />'' Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu also paid floral tributes to the Iron Man of India. In his message, Mr Naidu said, Sardar Patel was a colossal figure in Indian freedom struggle, a messiah for peasants, a sagacious statesman, organizer par excellence and epitome of wisdom.<br />'' <br />'' On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, inspired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India has become fully capable of facing all kinds of challenges whether external or internal. In a video message, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sardar Patel wanted a strong, inclusive, sensitive and alert India. An India that has humility as well as development. Mr Modi said, India is not just a geographical unit but it is a nation full of lofty ideals, concepts, civilization and culture.<br />'' <br />''Referring to steps taken to strengthen the country in the last seven years, the Prime Minister informed that the country got rid of unnecessary old laws, strengthened the ideals of unity, and emphasis on connectivity and infrastructure. He said, today, strengthening the feeling of Ek Bharat- Shreshth Bharat, a 'Mahayagya' of social, economic and constitutional integration is going on. He emphasized that 'Sabka Prayas' is even more relevant in the Amrit Kaal of Independence. The Prime Minister remarked that for Sardar Patel, 'Ek Bharat' meant equal opportunities for all.<br />