Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The Consulate General of India celebrated the 141st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the ‘Iron Man' of India, a freedom fighter and leader with an uncompromising vision of integrating India post independence. The event was commemorated on Monday by the Indian Consulate at its premises in Jeddah, which witnessed the gathering of eminent personalities from the Indian community. Indian Consul General Md. Noor Rehman Sheikh paid tribute to the great leader while addressing the gathering on the occasion. "Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's consistent support to Mahatma Gandhi led to the foundation of the Indian National Congress and he played an important role in Quit India Movement, which paved way to India's independence," he said. Consul General added that Patel integrated all princely states that the country was split into and used diplomacy, resolute, and power to ensure that India becomes a country of ‘unity in diversity'. Hardeep Singh, student of International Indian School, Jeddah (IISJ) also gave a speech, highlighting the achievements of the enduring icon of nationalism, who was raised in the Indian state of Gujarat. "Today's Indian owes a lot to this great leader and to commemorate this great day, his birth anniversary is celebrated as the National Unity Day." Singh also highlighted how Patel, who was also India's first deputy prime minister, contributed in providing relief to refugees fleeing from Punjab and Delhi and his immense efforts in restoring peace across the newly independent nation, thus laying the foundation of the world's biggest democracy. Addressing the gathering on the momentous occasion, IISJ student Ajiza Ahmed, said, "Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's major contribution was at the time of partition when India was divided into hundreds of princely states due to conflicting interests and ideas. At this junction, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to put together the partitioned nation together." The speeches were followed by prize distribution by Consul General to winners of an Essay Competition on the topic, ‘Relevance of ideas and thoughts of Sardar Patel in contemporary India.' The evening ended with the screening of a 40-minute informative documentary highlighting the life details and glorious achievements of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
