On the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Health Minister JP Nadda and other senior leaders paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in Parliament House. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and senior Congress Leader Sonia Gandhi were also present.
On this occasion, addressing young students and participants from different colleges and schools, Mr Birla called upon the youth to draw inspiration from the life and ideals of the Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and to dedicate their abilities, innovation and collective efforts to strengthening India’s national unity and integrity and building a developed nation.
Mr Birla said that the life of Sardar Patel exemplified firm resolve, exceptional organisational skills, farsightedness and decisive leadership. Recalling Sardar Patel’s remarkable contribution to national integration, he observed that despite numerous challenges and adverse circumstances following Independence, his unwavering commitment to the nation enabled him to integrate around 560 princely states into the Indian Union.
Mr Birla said that the unity and integrity of India as we see it today, owes an immeasurable debt to his leadership and vision. He also highlighted Sardar Patel’s ability to engage in dialogue, take firm decisions when required and carry everyone along in pursuit of a common national objective.
