We are familiar with Ramkatha, Shivkatha, and Hanumankatha, but last week London hosted a unique programme, ‘Sardarkatha’, celebrating the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Organised by the National Council of Gujarati Organisations (NCGO–UK) and Gujarat’s Sardardham, the event highlighted inspiring, lesser-known episodes from Patel’s life.
Aiming to inspire today’s younger generation with the remarkable life of Sardar Patel, speaker Shailesh Sagpariya presented Sardarkatha with such engaging storytelling and charm that Sardar Saheb’s legacy left a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of all in attendance.
The two-day programme at the Navnat Centre in Hayes drew an overwhelming response, exceeding all expectations. Attendees travelled from near and far, staying fully engaged for four continuous hours of Sardarkatha narration. The turnout was so large that the hall struggled to accommodate all the eager Gujarati audience members.
The event was honoured by dignitaries from various fields, including the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel, who joined the audience in listening to the katha.
On the first day, speaker Shailesh Sagpariya vividly narrated episodes from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s childhood, student life, and his time in London. He recounted how Patel’s elder brother was first sent to London to study law and how Patel himself later followed, highlighting powerful lessons from his life that continue to inspire.
Over two consecutive days, with four-hour sessions each, the audience remained fully engaged, absorbing the essence of the katha in its entirety.
A living experience of inspiring incidents
During the katha, Shailesh Sagpariya vividly recounted the Bardoli Satyagraha, highlighting how Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel empowered farmers and bolstered their morale through tireless efforts. The inspiring episodes were presented with such detail and passion that they left a profound impact on the audience.
When the narration shifted to the Partition of India and the integration of 562 princely states, listeners were visibly moved. Shaileshbhai also shared stories of the dedication of the rulers and the sacrifices of Sardar Patel’s daughter, Maniben Patel, bringing many to tears. On this occasion, it was announced that a department at Sardardham University would be named in her honour.
The katha left a strong impact on the younger generation, bringing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s childhood, student life, and time in London to life and highlighting lessons from his inspiring journey.
Among the audience, a young couple stood out, they travelled three hours each way for two days, with the wife pregnant, wishing even their unborn child to hear Patel’s stories.
The organisers were deeply moved by the audience’s enthusiasm and devotion, promising to hold Sardarkatha again in the future.
Commitment to a united and greater India
On this occasion, Sardardham President Sevak Gagjibhai Sutariya stated that Sardarkatha was organised in London by Sardardham and NCGO–UK to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and it was heartening to see the enthusiastic participation of the audience. Drawing inspiration from Sardar Saheb’s life, everyone collectively resolved to work towards building “One India, a Greater India.”
The message of Sardardham is clear: development and progress of India should not be pursued through individual effort alone, but through collective dedication, so that India can grow and emerge as a global leader.
It is noteworthy that from this very land of London and Britain, numerous eminent personalities received their education and later contributed significantly to India’s independence. Among them were leading freedom fighters and leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar, Subhash Chandra Bose, Lala Lajpat Rai and Sarojini Naidu.
Gujarat’s Shaileshbhai connects communities through ‘Sardarkatha’
It is noteworthy that the speaker of Sardarkatha, Shailesh Sagpariya, has created a unique identity among Gujaratis in India and abroad by sharing short, engaging, and insightful stories under the title “Aajni Varta (Today’s News)” via WhatsApp.
Having served as a Senior Class One Officer in the Government of Gujarat, Shaileshbhai now plays the role of a mentor for the younger generation. He selflessly guides and inspires students preparing for competitive exams, helping them secure government jobs without any bias or distinction.
Born into a modest family in a small village like Moviya in Saurashtra, Shaileshbhai worked hard alongside his studies to support his family, labouring in the fields, working as an office boy, polishing diamonds and simultaneously honing his own skills and knowledge. Through this dedication, he earned the blessings of the late President Swami Maharaj and the current Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Despite challenging financial circumstances, he excelled academically and after completing his M.Com, secured the third rank in the Class One examination conducted by GPSC across the entire state of Gujarat.
Shaileshbhai’s storytelling style is simple, engaging and highly effective, so much so that listeners often refer to him as a “living story.” He has published 33 books on various topics, many of which have been recognised and awarded by the Gujarat Sahitya Akademi. Most of his books have become bestsellers, with combined sales reaching hundreds of thousands of copies.
In addition to being an accomplished author, Shaileshbhai is a skilled orator. His lectures and seminars are regularly held across Gujarat and throughout India.
Guests relished delicious food, graciously supported by Rangolee Sweet Centre, graciously provided by Rangolee Sweet Centre, while the event received extensive promotion through its exclusive print media partners, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar.
