New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi has suggested setting up a National Foundation named after Sardar Patel as a "true and appropriate memorial" to the great builder of modern India.

"At a time when some disruptive forces are seeking to undermine India's unity and integrity, the life and work of Sardar Patel can provide a powerful inspiration for our people to united meet the challenge," Gandhi said in a letter to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Gandhi, who is also the leader of the Opposition, told the Prime Minister that her party would be fully supportive of the establishment of such a Foundation and "it is my sincere hope that the aims and objectives of the proposed Foundation should constitute a true and appropriate memorial to Sardar Patel".

Government should take early action for establishment of such a Foundation, she said adding that all political parties should be involved in the setting up and management of the Foundation.

"Certainly the Congress party would like to be consulted in the laying down the objectives of this Foundation and also in its management," she added.

PTI