Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice newspapers organised a Prarthna Sabha- ‘Remembering the Maker of Modern, United India’ on 15 December 2023 at Sangat Centre Harrow. Representatives from various organisations and dignitaries in the UK paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Well-known singer Mahesh Gadhvi, Chief Guest of the event said, “Hey Ram, Hey Ram Jag Mein Sacho Tero Naam Hey Ram, Hey Ram. Tu Hi Mata, Tu Hi Pita.” Then he presented the bhajan which Sardar used to sing in his last days- “Mari Nad Tamare Hath Hari Sambhaljo Re…”
CB Patel, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Gujarat Samachar and Aian Voice said, “Sardar must be remembered. His life reflects on what one man can do. We all can make India and UK better. India is my Janmabhumi and Britain is my Karmabhumi. We all must contribute over level best to both. The best is yet to come.”
He said, “Famous Gujarati writer, thinker, poet and researcher Gunvant Shah wrote about Sardar that, in 1950 when Sardar’s health deteriorated, Sardar preferred the Bhajan- Mari Nad tamare hath… When Sardar Patel moved to Mumbai, he didn't have any property, house or bank balance. He was offered a house in INR 500 but he was not able to buy it. VP Memon and Shankaran were with him. Gunvant Shah writes that Sardar was murmuring this Bhajan only. That’s why I requested Maheshbhai Gadhvi to sing this Bhajan in prarthna sabha”. CB said.
Mayor of Harrow Cllr Ramji Chauhan said, “Sardar played a significant role in consolidating India. His vision, conviction and life inspire us to work for the unity of the country above and beyond all considerations.”
Dr MN Nanda Kumara MBE, Executive Director of The Bhavan offered the prayer for World peace and stated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is one of the tallest leaders of India. He recalled an incident, “Director General of the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Shri S Ramakrishnan also served as a personal secretary to Sardar Patel. Before independence and after independence. Once Pandit Nehru Ji visited Sardar’s office for some reason. Ramakrishnan was Sardar’s secretary. He was the first rank in stenos in those days. Pandit Ji wanted an urgent letter to be typed. Sardar said to hand over this job to Ramakrishnan, you will not find a single mistake to correct. When Ramakrishnan brought the letter, Nehru Ji was so happy and asked Sardar to give Ramakrishnan to his office. Sardar politely said I will suggest a better person.
“With the permission of Sardar Patel, he joined K.M. Munshi at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. At that time Munshi Ji had in his mind that we must start an institution, which should have the involvement and representation of every Indian state. Munshi Ji started Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan and under Ramakrishnan‘s able stewardship, the Bhavan bloomed into a worldwide cultural organisation.”
Pravin Amin, President National Association of Patidar Samaj UK said, “Sardar Patel's journey as a statesman is marked by his extraordinary political acumen, fervent patriotism, practical wisdom, and exceptional administrative capabilities. His talent for organization was vividly displayed during the non-violent non-cooperation movement under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership, where he played a crucial role.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent policy changes in Jammu and Kashmir represent a successful fulfilment of Sardar Patel's original vision, which was notably diverged due to Jawaharlal Nehru's reluctance to integrate Kashmir into India.”
Nirupa Patel, General Secretory Bhadran Bandhu Samaj said, “Sardar Patel came from a humble farmer's family, but he had a strong determination and a sharp intellect. He is best remembered for his monumental contribution towards the integration of over 500 princely states into the Indian Union after independence. He is credited with the creation of the All-India Services, such as the IAS and the IPS, to ensure a unified and efficient administration of the country.”
Former Mayor of Brent Harshad Bhai Patel said, “When Sardar was completing his degree as a Barrister in the UK, he thought what is the thing by which Britishers could rule for 7000 miles. He realised that they have the art of saying NO with reasonable politeness.”
Mayor of Ealing Cllr Hitesh Tailor said, “Sardar Patel is remembered as a very strong and dynamic freedom fighter of India. He was one of the most eminent and prominent leaders of the Indian Freedom struggle.”
Primesh Patel, Labour’s next Parliamentary candidate for Harrow East said, “Whatever cast, creed or colour are we, we learned from Sardar Patel is to be united. Uniting all of us together and keeping our culture and spirit alive. I am in Harrow Stanmore and proud to be a candidate for representing the Labour Party from Harrow East. My family come from Kenya originally from Navsari South Gujarat.”
Abbas Merali, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Harrow West said, “Sardar Patel was an iconic person. His selfless devotion, commitment and public service are matchless. In today's times when there are so many tensions around the world, what unites us, is much greater than what divides us.”
Krishna Pujara, Secretary General Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK said, “Sardar Patel devoted his entire life to the unity and integrity of the nation. His selfless patriotism and determination are inspiring for all of us.”
Vimalji Odedara, President National Council of Gujarati Organisations UK said, “Sardar Patel performed a miracle both in winning the freedom for India and also, in the cause of unification and consolidation of the country.”
Kuldeep Shekhawat, President of Overseas Friends of BJP UK said, “Our unity is the best tribute we can pay to Sardar Patel. Iron-willed leadership, devotion and patriotism of Sardar Patel will continue to guide us.”
Tarun Ghulati, Independent Candidate for Mayor of London said, “Sardar Patel’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the nation's unity laid the foundations of modern India. The country can never forget his great contribution, decisive leadership and unparalleled commitment towards the motherland.”
In his welcome speech, Kanti Nagda MBE, CEO of Sangat Centre said, “CB Patel told me that nobody is organising a tribute on Nirvana Day of Sardar Patel and we can let it go. So, we planned to have a Prarthna Sabha at Sangat Centre. We all must have to remember the great man who united India. Uniting the newly independent India was a very difficult task and Sardar Patel did it.”
The entire event was compered by Mahesh Liloriya, Group Editor of Asian Business Publications Ltd.
While giving a vote of thanks, CB Patel especially honoured Bhanubhai Pandya and recalled his selfless service in nurturing many community and social organisations in the UK. Mahavir Foundation President Niraj Sutaria, Dr Vinod Kapashi and committee members honoured CB Patel and Kanti Bhai Nagda for their community service.
Photo courtesy:
Raj D Bakrania, PrMediapix
Bhadran resident, Mayankbhai Patel, spearheads BJP ideology with tireless efforts
Mayankbhai Patel, hailing from Bhadran (Gujarat), was honoured as a special guest at the Sardar Patel prayer meeting. His resounding efforts in championing the Bharatiya Janata Party's ideology, both locally and globally, and expanding the party's influence stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication.
During the BJP's challenging phase in 1988, Mayankbhai played a pivotal role in bolstering the party's foothold. He actively contributed to strengthening the party's roots, culminating in significant milestones. His journey within the party includes significant moments such as accompanying Narendrabhai Modi to the Bhadran Assembly 139 in 1995. Having held pivotal positions from district-level treasurer to taluka-level secretary and subsequently serving in the regional executive, Mayankbhai's commitment and service to the party have been consistently remarkable.
His involvement in the personal security unit of Sahib Singh Verma exemplifies his diverse contributions within the party. Notably, his exceptional achievement securing the top position across Gujarat in the ‘One Booth Ten Youth’ initiative during Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel's tenure significantly contributed to the eventual formation of the BJP government.
