New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid floral tributes Mangal Pandey on his birth anniversary, saying that the freedom fighter Mangal Pandey had ignited the spark of patriotism at a very critical period in India's history.

"The legendary Mangal Pandey is synonymous for bravery and tenacity. He inspired innumerable people and sparked patriotism at a critical time in our history. On the anniversary of his birth, we remember him. . Had paid tributes to his statue in Meerut earlier this year," the Prime minister said in a tweet.

On the occasion of his birthday, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu also paid respect to Mangal Pandey and stated that he will be remembered for his crucial contribution to the freedom cause in India.

"My respects to the brave liberation fighter Mangal Pandey on the occasion of his birthday. He motivated numerous people to join the liberation cause and led the sepoy revolt of 1857 against unfair British rule. His crucial contribution to India's freedom cause will forever be recognised "In a tweet, Naidu said.

Mangal Pandey, regarded as India's first independence warrior, was a prominent figure in the country's first significant uprising against the British Empire in 1857. He served as a sepoy (infantryman) in the British East India Company's 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) regiment.

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