Indian Embassy marks birth anniversary of Sardar Patel

Muscat: The Embassy of India celebrated National Unity Day by marking the 144th birth anniversary of Sardar Valabhbhai Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India, on 25 October.
Sardar Patel was the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India and is also known as the Iron Man (Lohpurush) of India. The indomitable spirit and deft diplomacy by Sardar Patel ensured the integration of more than 500 princely states into an integrated India after its independence.
The Government and people of India every year celebrate his birthday that falls on 31 October as ‘Unity Day’ to pay respect and commemorate Sardar Patel.
Floral tributes
The event started with paying of floral tributes to Sardar Patel by the Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, Munu Mahawar and other dignitaries. The ambassador delivered a short speech and talked about the life and contribution of Sardar Patel towards national unity. He said that India was a shining example of Unity in Diversity, quoting Sardar Patel and added, “Manpower without unity is not a strength unless it is harmonised and united properly, then it becomes a spiritual power”.
It was followed by a short cultural programme including a patriotic song and classical dance. S I Shareef, Principal, Indian School Muladha and Anirudh Govil, a class XII student of Indian School Al Ghubra also delivered speeches on Sardar Patel and highlighted his contribution in shaping modern India.
In addition, quiz competitions were organised across various Indian Schools across Oman to celebrate Unity Day and all the winners of quiz competition were awarded by the ambassador towards the end of the programme.
The event saw the participation of more than 250 members of Indian community, who joined the embassy in paying rich tributes to the great leader.
All the officers and staff of the Indian embassy took a ‘Unity Pledge’ on 31 October to work towards the preservation and strengthening of unity, integrity and security of India as a part of National Unity Day celebrations.