Cachar celebrates 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel with a grand unity march

way2barak, October 31: Cachar district came alive with patriotic splendour and collective pride on Friday as thousands of citizens, students, and officials participated in a  celebration marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. Organised by the District Administration, Cachar in collaboration with My Bharat, the event featured a massive Unity March, cultural festivities, and tribute ceremony that reflected the ideals of national integration and solidarity.

The celebration witnessed overwhelming participation from more than three thousand citizens, including students from various schools and colleges, NSS and NCC volunteers, Scouts and Guides, ASLRM and NULM members, representatives from multiple government departments such as Agriculture, Sports, Social Welfare, Education, Health, and Silchar Municipal Board, along with nearly fifty NGOs and youth clubs from across Cachar district. The march, carrying the message of peace, solidarity, and self-reliant India, was ceremonially flagged off by Silchar MPs Parimal Suklabaidya and Kanad Purkayastha, Minister for Food, Public Distribution, Consumer Affairs, Mines and Minerals and Barak Valley Development Department  Kaushik Rai, in the presence of District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, who led the parade along with students, citizens, and officials, creating a vibrant spectacle of unity and national pride.

At Gandhi Bagh, the gathering paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, before the commemorative programme began.

The highlight of the event was the powerful and evocative address by Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya, who paid glowing tributes to the Iron Man of India. Addressing the audience, he said, “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was not just a freedom fighter but the iron backbone of India’s political consolidation.”

 MP Parimal Suklabadya described the day as a moment of deep national pride and remembrance. He said, “Today, we have come together to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of a great patriot, the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. His life, his work, and his patriotism continue to inspire us even today.” The MP also highlighted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s remarkable rise from rural Gujarat to the forefront of India’s freedom struggle and nation-building efforts.

He said, “Sardar Patel’s story is not only one of courage and conviction but of foresight and statesmanship. He had an extraordinary ability to reconcile differences and bring people together for a common cause. His vision of India was inclusive and united a federation bound by the thread of mutual respect and shared purpose.

While speaking on the occasion, Rajya Sabha MP, Kanad Purkayastha said “Sardar Patel’s contribution to the creation of a unified India can never be overstated. His courage, wisdom, and pragmatic vision made possible the India we live in today. He continues to remind us that unity is the nation’s greatest strength.” MP Purkayastha also urged the youth to imbibe Patel’s ideals of self-discipline, patriotism, and national service, stating that India’s unity is its greatest inheritance from the Iron Man.

He further highlighted Patel’s journey from his humble beginnings in a farmer’s family at Nadiad in Gujarat to becoming one of the chief architects of modern India. “Patel’s life was defined by determination, discipline, and devotion to duty. Overcoming early hardships, he studied law in London and became a leading barrister before joining India’s struggle for freedom. He led historic movements like the Kheda and Bardoli Satyagrahas, and it was for his leadership in Bardoli that he earned the title ‘Sardar,’ meaning leader,” MP Purkayastha said.

Highlighting the enduring legacy of Patel, the MP added, “Sardar Patel believed that people’s power without unity is not real power. Unless it is properly organised and united, it cannot become a spiritual force. The Statue of Unity, inaugurated in 2018 at the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands as a monumental tribute to his ideals of unity and nationalism.”

MP Purkayastha also emphasised the historical significance of Patel’s administrative genius, and said “It was his pragmatic statesmanship and firm resolve that were instrumental in merging over 562 princely states into the Indian Union. Without his courage and clarity, India might have remained a fragmented entity. Patel’s legacy is the India we see today a united, sovereign republic.” He urged the youth to follow Patel’s principles of discipline, truthfulness, and service to the nation.

Concluding his speech MP Kanad Purkayastha called upon citizens to dedicate themselves to the path of duty, asserting that “Patel’s spirit of discipline, integrity, and service must guide every Indian in the journey towards a stronger, self-reliant nation.”

In his heartfelt address, MLA Silchar Dipayan Chakraborty paid glowing tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, describing him as “a visionary statesman whose courage and conviction united a divided nation.” He said, “India bows in reverence to the Iron Man of India on his 150th Birth anniversary, he was the chief architect of India’s political integration and a symbol of integrity and public service. His leadership continues to illuminate our national conscience.”

MLA Dipayan Chakraborty urged everyone to rededicate themselves to the values of national unity and integrity. “On this solemn occasion, we pledge to realise Patel’s enduring vision of a united, strong, and self-reliant India,” he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, MLA Udharbond Mihir Kanti Shom paid rich tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and said that his courage, foresight, and firmness of purpose continue to guide India’s progress. “He was a man of steel whose vision of unity and discipline laid the foundation of our nation’s strength. His ideals remain deeply relevant today, and it is upon the youth to carry forward his legacy of integrity, patriotism, and national unity,” MLA Shom said, urging everyone to stay united in spirit and action.

Earlier, Cachar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav in his address, reflected on Patel’s lasting influence on modern India’s administrative and governance systems. “Sardar Patel’s life is a timeless example of leadership rooted in discipline, unity, and duty to the nation. As India’s first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, he laid the foundation of the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service, shaping the administrative machinery that continues to uphold the country’s democratic governance,” DC Mridul Yadav said.

He added that the celebration was not merely a remembrance of history but a reaffirmation of people’s commitment to peace, progress, and national integration. “By remembering Patel today, we also recommit ourselves to his ideals of harmony, justice, and unity in diversity,” DC Mridul Yadav quipped.

In his welcome address, Mehebub Alam Laskar, Deputy Director of My Bharat, Cachar,  appreciated the overwhelming public participation and the collective efforts that made the day’s event a grand success. He extended heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Assam, various departments, and participating organisations such as NSS, NCC, Scouts and Guides, ASLRM, NULM, and more than fifty local clubs and NGOs for their enthusiastic involvement. Shri Laskar emphasised that the event reflected the true spirit of My Bharat ,a platform for collective youth action, unity, and community service and underscored the importance of celebrating national icons like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to strengthen civic consciousness and patriotism among young citizens.

The day’s event also featured an array of vibrant cultural performances by students from Assam University, Gurucharan College , who presented patriotic songs and traditional dances including Bihu, Dhamail, and Manipuri. A street play performed by Pathik Natya Sanstha and students of Sarla Birla Gyan Jyoti School conveyed a strong social message on the importance of remaining drug-free and embracing national values.

Adding a colourful dimension to the celebration, several women’s Self-Help Groups from Cachar showcased locally made handicrafts, handloom products, and food items at the Swadeshi Mela, promoting the spirit of “Vocal for Local.” The exhibition received enthusiastic participation and appreciation from visitors.

Towards the end of the programme, MP Parimal Suklabaidya, along with other dignitaries, participated in a symbolic tree plantation drive under the initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.” The drive reflected the district’s collective resolve to promote environmental sustainability and preserve nature as a tribute to the nation’s unity.

The event was also attended by Additional District Commissioners, Phyllis Hrangchal, Hemanga Nobis, Assistant Commissioners, Bonnykha Chetia, Masi Topno and Deepa Das along with several other senior officials of the district administration, government representatives, and members of civil society.

The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks by Prosenjit Bhattacharjee, who expressed gratitude to all departments, volunteers, and citizens for their participation in making the event a grand success.

This is stated in a press release issued by Regional office of information &  Public relations Barak valley zone Silchar Assam.