Lucknow, Dec 15 (Reporter) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday paid tribute to first Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his death anniversary, describing him as the architect of modern India whose wisdom and efforts laid the foundation for a unified and strong nation. At a tribute meeting, the CM highlighted Patel’s unwavering dedication to the country and Mother India. "As a key member of the Constituent Assembly and the first Home Minister of independent India, he spearheaded the integration of over 563 princely states into the Republic, laying the foundation for a unified and strong nation. The India we see today, is a testament to Sardar Patel's vision, efforts, and tireless commitment to the ideals of "One India, Great India, Safe India," he said. Yogi said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel stood at the forefront and worked alongside the leadership to give a new direction to the country's freedom movement. He was born in a simple farmer family in a small village near Anand in Gujarat. "His primary education was also completed at home under the care of his mother," he said. The CM said "He later pursued a law degree in England and returned to India to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation. Sardar Patel, who passed away on December 15, 1950, is remembered for his extraordinary leadership, which helped India achieve new heights. The ongoing campaign to realize his vision will also realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of "One India, Best India'. He highlighted Patel's active participation in major movements for India’s independence, including the Champaran Movement, Salt Satyagraha, and Quit India Movement, during which he also endured imprisonment. "The first Deputy PM also launched numerous public awareness campaigns aimed at the prosperity and upliftment of farmers," Yogi said. The CM said that Sardar Patel’s vision laid the foundation for Gujarat’s strong cooperative movement, which played a key role in empowering farmers and elevating them to new heights of prosperity. He said that Sardar Patel, a great son of Mother India, not only led the campaign for the unification of the nation but also ensured the restoration of the country’s dignity, which had been tarnished during the colonial period. Yogi highlighted that the revival of the Somnath Temple, a symbol of cultural resurgence, was part of this mission. The CM added that the new India, under the leadership of Modi, is fully committed to honouring and expressing gratitude towards Sardar Patel’s legacy. Yogi remarked that had Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel been alive, Article 370 would never have been imposed on Jammu and Kashmir. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for removing this constitutional provision on August 5, 2019, dismantling the foundation of terrorism and paving the way for a unified and strong India. He highlighted that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is a significant part of the new cultural India, drawing a parallel to the revival of the Somnath Temple initiated by Sardar Patel in 1948...////...