Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 66th death anniversary saying the country was grateful for his role in "freedom struggle and decisive leadership".
"Tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his Punya Tithi (death anniversary). India is grateful to him for his role in freedom struggle and decisive leadership," Modi said in a tweet.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on October 31, 1875 in Nadiad, a small village in Gujarat. He was popularly known as the 'Iron man' of India. He died on December 15, 1950 after suffering a heart attack in Mumbai.
Patel was conferred with the highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna, in 1991 for his services to the nation.
