The High Commission of India and Shree Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj (SPHSS) commemorated the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel last Friday (October 31), at the Samaj premises on 13th Ave, Laudium.
The commemoration was in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai’s unparalleled contribution to India’s freedom struggle and national integration.
High Commissioner (HC) Shri Prabhat Kumar highlighted the contributions made by the visionary leader during the freedom struggle of India and in uniting more than 550 princely states to make a united India. The day is also celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and Unity Day. The HC added, ”Sardar Vallabhbhai was a pivotal Indian leader, freedom fighter, and the ‘Iron Man of India.’ As India gained freedom, it was faced with the daunting challenge of integrating 562 diverse princely states into a single unified nation Bharat. The British had left these states with the choice to join either India or Pakistan.
That was the time when Sardar Patel showed the mettle of his diplomatic skills, pragmatism, sagacity, determination and iron will, and through a masterful blend of persuasion, negotiation, and, when necessary, decisive action, he successfully convinced almost all the rulers to accede to the Indian Union. This monumental achievement of peaceful integration earned him the title of ‘Unifier of India,’ the Iron man of India.”
Members from the local Indian communities representing the various States of India participated in the celebration. The High Commission presented a vibrant and colourful cultural performance programme, showcasing the Unity in Diversity.
