Celebration of the 142nd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel on October 31, 2017

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas - National Unity Day

The Consulate in collaboration with Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP), Association of Indian Americans in North America (AIANA) and Gujarat Foundation Inc. had organized a program to commemorate the 142nd birth anniversary of the “Iron man of India”- Shri Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel.

The program began with a floral tribute by all present to the respected leader. Eminent members of the community attended and shared their views on this occasion.

Consul General Shree Sandip Chakravarty in his welcome remarks shared the contribution of Sardar Patel in unifying India at the most crucial moment after achieving independence in 1947. CG also highlighted his simplicity and his vision of a united India. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas - National Unity Day pledge was taken by all present.

Padmashri H.R.Shah, Mr. Srujal Parikh of the FIA, Kaushik Amin of the Gujarat Foundation, Shree Suresh Jani and Mr. Jagdish Sehwani of OFBJP, Mr. Sunil Nayak of the AIANA, Ms. Deepti Jani of OFBJP.,  Ms. Mala Shah of the Gujarati Samaj and Mr. Dhiren Parikh, Ms Tripathi of CGNY also contributed their views and spoke about the great leader of our motherland. Mr. Nayar of CGNY conducted this event.

A short documentary compiled on the life, achievement and the sacrifice made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was also shown.

It was decided unanimously by all to remember and pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel every year in such a way where in not only seniors but the youth and the younger (school going) children who are not aware of the sacrifice, struggle and the contribution of our great leaders in shaping today’s independent India, be actively involved.

Program ended with singing of the national anthem followed by snacks provided by Rajbhog of New Jersey.

Many community leaders of Indian community were present at the event among them few to be noted were Hirubhai Patel of Gujarat I Samaj, Bhadra Butala of Gandhian Society, Gautam Patel of Paramus Gujarati Samaj, Yogesh Shah, Gunjesh Desai, and others.The program was well attended and appreciated by all.

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