New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary and remembered his contribution to India.

"I bow to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. We recall his rich contribution to India," Modi tweeted.

"Paid floral tributes to the great Sardar Patel," Modi wrote in another with a picture.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on October 31, 1875 in Nadiad, a small village in Gujarat. He was conferred with the highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna, in 1991 for his services to the nation. Patel was popularly known as the 'Iron man' of India.

In his 25th Mann Ki Baat address on Diwali, Modi had urged the nation to promote unity and equality.

"Tomorrow we are celebrating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary. He worked to bring everyone together, he worked for unity, fought for unity and brought unity amongst people and we all must remember it," Modi said on Sunday.

Modi said: "He gave us a united India and to keep it united is our responsibility."