The Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK, in collaboration with the High Commission of India, celebrated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the High Commission of India in London on Wednesday 6 November.
The gathering was a full house, drawing dignitaries and attendees together to honour Sardar Patel’s legacy as a founding father of a unified India.
The Rt Hon Dame Priti Patel DBE MP, Shadow Foreign Secretary delivered the keynote speech highlighting Sardar Patel’s ideals of unity, integrity, and resilience. She highlighted the relevance of Sardar Patel’s vision in today’s world, encouraging everyone to embrace harmony and uphold the spirit of unity that he championed.
Speaking at the event she said, "As India has grown into the most incredible democratic country, fastest growing democracies, largest growing economies in the world, and it's established itself, quite frankly, as an incredible superpower. I want to pay tribute to the Iron Man and others, because it is that vision that has driven modern India forward through the leadership that we now see as well. That basically means India and its own mind, stands up for itself, whether it's at the United Nations, multi-national forums here or other diplomatic missions.
“I can also say that it has been not just my greatest privilege to serve in the British government, but actually to be a public servant. And I genuinely think it was in the DNA for different generations to follow the footsteps of our founding fathers, to literally believe and apply public service, to serve our country wherever we are around the world, but also to uphold those values as Indians, whether it's to our culture community with the ethos of public service and community and serving the nation wherever we are around the world…”
Concluding she added, “It is my personal duty and responsibility to continue to stand strong, to thrive the diaspora flag, but also to speak and follow in the footsteps of the leaders to ensure that our communities are united here in the United Kingdom. And we will continue that in the same way in which unity and peace have been achieved in India following those tremendous, giant footsteps…”
Lord Rami Ranger FRSA, Chairman of the Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK, addressing the guests, emphasised the critical importance of unity and the lasting influence of Sardar Patel’s life and legacy. His speech reminded attendees of Sardar Patel’s role in shaping a united India and urged everyone to carry forward the message of unity and harmony.
The event was further enriched by the presence and remarks of His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, the High Commissioner of India to the UK. His Excellency highlighted Sardar Patel’s significance in India’s history and shared the High Commission’s commitment to celebrating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Patel throughout the year. He said,
The commemoration received messages from The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, adding to the event’s prestige and underscoring the global reverence for Sardar Patel’s contributions to India and the world.
The celebration concluded with the presentation of the Unity Award to Dame Priti Patel DBE MP by His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami. This special recognition honoured Dame Priti Patel’s commitment to unity and support for Sardar Patel’s values.
Krishna Pujara, Secretary General of the Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK, expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support shown by attendees, dignitaries, and partners. “We are honoured to commemorate Sardar Patel’s legacy here in the UK and to witness such enthusiasm for his ideals. This celebration is a testament to the enduring impact of his vision for unity and progress.”
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to honouring Sardar Patel’s ideals, with plans to continue the 150th birth anniversary celebrations in the months to come.
Photo courtesy: Bhupendrasinh Jethwa
