Celebration of 141st Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Chicago IL: The Consulate General of India in Chicago celebrated 141st Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31, 2016 with great fervor. A large cross section of Indian Community and Indian-Americans attended the event. Shri O.P. Meena, Consul, welcomed the guests. Consul General, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed delivered opening remarks. During his opening remarks, Consul General said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was an extraordinary and visionary leader, social reformer and thinker, freedom fighter and a staunch Gandhian. He mentioned that Sardar Patel had participated in 'No Tax campaign' against the British to protect the farmers of Kaira from undue taxation. Later in 1928 he led the Bardoli Satyagraha. Sardar Patel went on to become the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India. He played a crucial role not only during the freedom Struggle of India but also in the post-Independent political consolidation of India as he was instrumental in the integration of over 500 princely states into the Indian Union. The Consul General also said that the Government of India has decided to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 31st October every year as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas [National Unity Day].

 

On the occasion, the Consul General briefed the participating India Diaspora about 14th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention which will be held in Bengaluru from 7th -9th January, 2017. He also appealed PIOs/OCIs for maximum registration and their participation in the 14th PBD Convention.

 

During the celebration, a 39 minutes documentary on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel 'A Man of Silence - Sardar Vallabbhai Patel' was screened. A photo exhibition of photographs on the life and times of Sardar Patel was also organized as part of the celebration.

 

A power point presentation covering key features of the 14th Pravasi Bhariya Divas Convention was also given during the celebration encouraging Indian Diaspora for maximum participation in the Convention.