Kohima, October 30 (MExN): ‘Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel laid the foundation of a strong and united India and his life will continue to inspire every generation of Indians to work for a healthy and prosperous society.’ This was the thrust of deliberations at the webinar on “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel- His life, Philosophy, Ideology & Contribution" hosted the Press Information Bureau and Field Outreach Bureau, Kohima on October 30 on the eve of 145th birth anniversary of Patel.
Speaking on the occasion, Thungchanbeni Kithan, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Nagaland University said that Patel joined freedom movement in 1917 after getting influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and his initial struggle for the rights of the farmers in Kheda resulted in a powerful movement against the British authorities.
She also recounted the details of his contribution and said that he was recognized right from the start as one of the tallest leaders, informed a press release from PIB Kohima.
Professor Arun Kumar Singh from the Department of Political Science, NU also noted that India today needs leaders like Patel because she faces constant threats to unity, both internal and external, it said. He further lamented the scant attention given to the huge Sardar's contribution in history and political science books, it added.
Abhishek Dayal, Director, PIB Imphal said that the occasion gives all an opportunity to refresh our memories of Sardar's values and ideas and asked the media to highlight the lives and times of the founding fathers so that “our children also learn the lessons in dedication to motherland and service to the poorest people.”
Earlier, Assistant Director, PIB Kohima, K Sonikumar Singh welcomed the participants saying that the PIB is hosting a series of webinars on Sardar to pay homage to the great leader as well as to initiate a vibrant public discourse on the values of freedom movement. In his vote of thanks, P Sophie, Field Exhibition Officer, FOB, Kohima said that it would be “a befitting homage to the Iron man of India if we can educate our younger generation with the ideas and values of Sardar Patel.”
The webinar was attended by over 30 officials of the North East Zone, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, members of the media, students and academicians, the release added.
