142nd Birth Anniversary  of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

142nd Birth Anniversary  of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Denpasar (Metrobali.com)-

The Consulate General of India, Bali, in collaboration with the Balinese and Indian Friendship Association (BIFA) organized a seminar to celebrate National Unity Day, commemorating the 142nd Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Monday, 30th October 2017.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born in October 31, 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat. Inspired by the work and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, he joined India’s struggle for independence. He organised peasants of Kheda, Bardoli and other parts of Gujarat and launched non-violent Civil Disobedience Movement in Gujarat, against the payment of raised tax, levied by the British government, leading to the British Government suspending the payment of revenue for that year.

His leadership qualities led him to becoming the President of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee in 1920 and he continued to serve as served in the post till 1945. He was a strong supporter of the Non -Cooperation Movement of Gandhiji and worked against alcoholism, untouchability and caste discrimination in Gujarat.  When Mahatma Gandhi was in prison, he led the Satyagraha movement in Nagpur in 1923 against the British law banning the raising of the Indian flag.

He was elected as the President of India National Congress in 1931. He was at the forefront of the Congress’ all India election campaign in 1934 and 1937 and was a prominent leader in organising the Quit India Movement in 1942. He was arrested prior to the Quit India Movement and was released in 1945.

After India’s independence in 1947, he became the Deputy Prime Minister of India and India’s first Home Minister.  He was the man behind the consolidation of 565 semi-autonomous princely states to form a united India.  He passed away on 15 December 1950. He was a man of courage and determination and in the true sense, the ‘Iron Man of India’. He was awarded India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1991.

The seminar was welcomed by The Consul General of India, Bali, Mr. R. O. Sunil Babu, who spoke about Sardar Patel’s single handed effort in integrating over 560 princely states and British administrative provinces into one single political entity that is India.

On the same occasion, videos titled Aura of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Documentary Life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were also shown to the audience, covering the life and time of Sardar Patel. The gathering was also treated to some tasty Indian culinary experience. RED-MB