Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today attended ‘Sardar Katha’, organised at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. The programme featured an inspiring narration by renowned Katha Vachika Dr. Shobhana Radhakrishna, highlighting the life, ideals and extraordinary contributions of Sardar Patel to the nation.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President extended his greetings on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and said that Sardar Patel’s story was not merely that of one of India’s greatest leaders, but also the story of India’s unity, courage and nation-building.
Recalling Sardar Patel’s monumental contribution to the political integration of India, the Vice-President said that at the time of Independence, the country faced enormous challenges, with Partition creating uncertainty and more than 550 princely states needing to be integrated into the Indian Union. Through his determination, persuasion, administrative ability and statesmanship, Sardar Patel accomplished this historic task and gave shape to the vision of a united India. The nation, he said, would always remain grateful for this extraordinary contribution.
The Vice-President said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the spirit of unity championed by Sardar Patel is being channelled into the national mission of Viksit Bharat @2047. He observed that India’s journey from 1947 to the present reflected courage, determination and collective resolve, while the journey towards 2047 must be marked by even greater ambition, aspiration and commitment.
Emphasising the continuing relevance of Sardar Patel’s ideals, the Vice-President said that truth, simplicity, courage, discipline and service to the last person were values that the nation needed to uphold. He particularly called upon the youth to draw inspiration from Sardar Patel’s life and channel their immense energy, talent and potential towards constructive nation-building activities.
Concluding his address, Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan expressed his appreciation to Dr. Shobhana Radhakrishna and her team for bringing Sardar Patel’s life and legacy closer to the audience through the timeless tradition of Katha. “Sardar Patel gave us a united India. It is our duty to keep it united, strong and just. Bharat is One, and shall always remain One!” he said.
The programme was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and other distinguished guests.
Earlier in the day, the Vice-President paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Sardar Patel Chowk in New Delhi and at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.
