Without Sardar Patel, the map of India would not have been what it is today – Meenakshi Lekhi

New Delhi:  The Union Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi said that many leaders have contributed in the reconstitution of India after independence. Subsequently the contribution of iron man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel between 1947 and 1950 is incomparable. He said this at the inauguration of the photo exhibition “Sardar Patel – The Architect of Unification” based on the life of Sardar Patel and his great work of integration of India. Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) jointly organized the exhibition which will continue till October 31, the birthday of Sardar Patel and ‘National Unity Day’ at the Lalit Kala Akademi’s Art Gallery.

Recalling the contribution of Sardar Patel, Meenakshi Lekhi said, “The map of India as it is today would not have been there if we had not had a strong leadership like Sardar Patel at that time.” She also reminded about the vow of ‘Unity and Integrity’ which is part of ‘Panch-Prana’ of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had talked about in his speech from ramparts of  Red Fort  on 15thAugust. Sardar Patel is the symbol of unity and integrity of the country. Smt. Lekhi said that unity also means political unity. The countries of the world which have made a lot of progress, they have done it on the strength of unity and integrity. He said that India is a country of unity in diversity, although it would be more accurate to say that India is a country of diversity in unity. The threads of unity are scattered invisibly everywhere in our country. This exhibition fully embodies the ideas of ‘Panch Prana’. She urged that more and more people should come to see this exhibition and take inspiration from the life of Sardar Patel and work for the integrity and unity of the country.

On this occasion, Dr. Sachidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, said that one of the vows of ‘Panch Prana’ is ‘Strength of unity and solidarity’. While addressing the gathering he gave information about the exhibition and said that this exhibition is running in digital format at many places in the country. It is open to all; anyone can download and display it. So far this exhibition has been downloaded by more than 500 people and organizations. English and HIndi version of the exhibition can be downloaded by clicking on this link- https://amritmahotsav.nic.in/unity-festival.htm

Prof. Umesh Ashok Kadam Member Secretary, Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the architect of modern India in true sense. There is a need to tell the general public about his contribution in detail. Prof. Anil Kumar, HoD, Janapada Sampada Division, IGNCA, at the end of the event extended his vote of thanks to the dignitaries and the team involved with the exhibition and the audience for attending the exhibition.