Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision, determination and leadership laid the foundation for India’s national unity and territorial integrity. Mr Chouhan said that, inspired by Sardar Patel’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, the country has responded firmly to threats from foreign forces and terrorists through various measures such as surgical strikes.

 

The Union Minister made these remarks in his address at the 67th Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture organised by Akashvani. The lecture was addressed virtually by Mr Chouhan at Akashvani Bhawan in New Delhi. Mr Chouhan further recalled Sardar Patel’s emphasis on building a modern and well-equipped Indian armed forces and strengthening indigenous industries. He said that India is moving towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, with domestic industries increasingly producing modern weapons and military equipment.

 

As a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who served as independent India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Information and Broadcasting Minister, Akashvani has been organising the annual Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture since 1955. Over the years, this annual event has served as a rich repository of thoughts, ideas and perspectives on a wide range of subjects. It has also provided an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of India’s diverse cultural heritage and the various dimensions of its developmental challenges.