Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK (SPMS) payed tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel- the Iron Man of India - on the occasion of his Nirvana day. An event was held on virtual platform, where various well-known Indian and British dignitaries paid a tribute to Sardar. The chief speakers at the event were Ruchi Ghanshyam- Former High Commissioner of India to UK, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State - India, Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Chemical Fertilizers, Sairam Dave- International Folk Artist, India, C.B Patel, Chairman of SPMS, Lord Rami Ranger CBE- Vice Chairman, Secretary General and Krishna Pujara- Secretary General.
The event began with Sairam's "Sauna Sardar" song and "Vallabh Tari Himmat Wakhanu, Ke Pachi Tari Samaj Wakhanu". One of the popular radio presenter Ravi Sharma paid homage to Sardar and introduced Lord Rami Ranger to the audience and said, “he is the one who has seen the work and dedication of Sardar very closely and under the chairmanship of Lord Rami Ranger we have arranged this event.
Mansukhbhai Mandvia said, "It is a matter of pride to remember Sardar Patel even in UK and pay homage to him on his death anniversary. True homage is paid when we all will take an oath to follow his path. Mansukhbhai further added, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also taken the responsibility of fulfilling the dream of Sardar by removing Article 370 without shedding a drop of blood." In the end, Mansukhbhai even added that C.B. and I have met many times, even though I had to travel to Delhi from Gujarat, I am present in the event and it’s a pleasure to see you all.” Even today marks the fifth anniversary of the launch of Air India's London-Ahmedabad direct flight while recalling the old memories.
Sairam Dave paid homage to the Sardar in a unique style and said that 70 years have passed since the passing away of Sardar, but still he is immortal. I am very much thankful to C.B. Sir and Krishna Ma’am for remembering me and inviting me to this unique event. Further Sairam Dave showcased a glimpse of Gujarati culture and Gujarati language in the event and how Gujarati community is widespread in UK.
PM Modi, other leaders pay tributes to Sardar
On the 70th death anniversary of the 'Iron Man of India', Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, several leaders paid tributes to the stalwart. Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sardar Patel who laid the foundation of a strong and prosperous India. He stated that Patel's path will always inspire everyone to protect the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country. Apart from PM Modi, many other leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, BJP national president JP Nadda and many others paid respect to Sardar Patel.
Amit Shah taking to Twitter stated that Sardar Patel was a symbol of 'unity and power of India. Shah's tweet in Hindi can be roughly translated into: "The life and personality of Sardar Patel is so vast that it is not possible to get it into words. Sardar Saheb is the symbol of unity and power of India, he solved complex problems and shaped a united India. His steadfast leadership and national dedication will always guide us."
Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar also paid respects to Sardar Patel. Saluting Patel, BJP national president JP Nadda said that he devoted his entire life for the 'unity and integrity of the nation'. 'Sardar Patel's selfless patriotism and determination is inspiring for all of us.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who was born on 31st October 1875 had a major role in merging all the princely states in India. He was called the 'Iron Man of India' because he managed to unite all 562 princely states of the pre-independent British India to build the Republic of India as we know today. The Iron Man of India served as the first Deputy Prime Minister of India as well as the Home Minister during the political integration of India and the India-Pakistan war of 1947. Sardar Patel died on 15 December 1950.
The prime minister also expressed his deep admiration and respect for him and has been the brain behind the Statue of Unity project in Gujarat, a tribute to Patel who had passed away in 1950.
