IN PICTURES: PM Modi Pays Tribute To Sardar Patel On His 144th Birth Anniversary

Since 2014, October 31 is observed as the National Unity Day and people participate in the 'Run For Unity'. Image: ANI

Later, he administered the unity pledge to the hundreds of government personnel gathered there. Image: Twitter/ @BJP4India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia on his 144th birth anniversary. Image: Twitter/ @BJP4India

The day is celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Divas. Image: Twitter/ @BJP4India

Earlier Modi tweeted: "Tributes to the great Sardar Patel on his Jayanti. His contribution to our nation is monumental .

India's first Home Minister, Patel is credited for merger of over 560 states into the Union of India.