Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said thatpeople tried to ignore Sardar Patel's contribution in nationbuilding, but the youth of India respects him and his contribution.
Flagging off the 'Run for Unity'eventthat marksthe birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel atDhyan Chand stadium in the national capital, the prime minister said people tried to ensure Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's legacy isforgotten."We are proud of Patel'scontribution to India before we attained freedom and during the early years after independence," he added.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress who fought alongside Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru for India's independence. After the country attained freedom in 1947, he was appointed as the first home minister and deputy prime minister.
Modi concluded his speech by glorifying India's diversity.
"India is home to many cultures, languages, lifestyle,'' he said.
The event was held at New Delhi'sMajor Dhyan ChandNational Stadium,