New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS) The country can never forget Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contribution in uniting the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here Friday.

“The British wanted India to break into pieces but Sardar Patel unified the 550 provinces into one country,” Modi said while addressing the nation on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel being observed as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’.

“Through his skill, vision and patriotism Sardar Patel integrated the nation. We can never forget his contribution in uniting free India,” Modi added.

A ‘Run for Unity’ and pledge taking at Vijay Chowk marked India’s first home minister’s birth anniversary Oct 31.