Through his dedication and strong willpower, Sardar Patel became the Iron Man of India: Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Became the Iron Man of India Through His Hard Work and Strong Willpower: Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai

India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, became the Iron Man of India through his dedication and determination. In the challenging times following independence, he united 562 princely states into one nation through his wisdom and indomitable spirit, laying the foundation of a united India. His contribution to farmers’ movements and the freedom struggle remains invaluable. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said this while addressing the National Unity Day program organized on the occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary. The event was held at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur, organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare.

On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare Shri Arun Sao, Minister for Skill Development, Technical Education and Employment Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb, and MLA Shri Rajesh Munat were also present.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai paid tribute to Sardar Patel on his 150th birth anniversary and said, “Sardar Patel, with his great vision and unbreakable will, integrated the fragmented princely states into one thread, creating a united India.” He added that Sardar Patel’s life is a symbol of unity, integrity, and dedication to the nation. Across the country, numerous events are being organized to mark his 150th birth anniversary.

The Chief Minister further mentioned that Chhattisgarh has been invited to participate in the national event being held at Kevadia, Gujarat, where the state has also set up a special pavilion. He said that the Run for Unity not only symbolizes national unity and integrity but also conveys a message of fitness and collective energy.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao extended greetings on National Unity Day and said, “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel fought relentlessly against British rule for India’s independence and for farmers’ rights.” He added that his birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day to honor his immense contribution. As the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India, Sardar Patel realized the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India).

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sao announced that grand statues of Sardar Patel will be installed at all divisional headquarters in the state. For this, the Urban Administration and Development Department will provide ₹50 lakh to each concerned urban body.

During the event, Chief Minister Shri Sai felicitated the family members of freedom fighters with shawls and mementos. He also viewed the rangoli and painting displays created by participants and administered a pledge to adopt swadeshi and promote the use of Made in India products.

To mark National Unity Day, the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare organized Run for Unity along with rangoli, painting, speech, and poetry competitions for college students. Chief Minister Shri Sai presented awards to the winners and flagged off the Run for Unity participants. He also flagged off the Bastar Olympics promotional van, which will tour all districts of the Bastar division to raise awareness about the event.

During the program, Secretary of the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare Shri Yashwant Kumar, in his welcome address, provided details about the series of events planned under Sardar@150 Unity March, which will continue for the next one and a half months.

Also present were Director of the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare Smt. Tanuja Salam, family members of freedom fighters, departmental officials, athletes, and a large number of college students.