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Ahmedabad, Oct 28 (IANS) The world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, at Ekta Nagar in Kevadiya in Narmada district in Gujarat is all set to host a historic celebration on October 31 to mark the 150th birth anniversary of India’s ‘Iron Man’ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ekta Nagar to mark the occasion, which will also see the special presence of Sardar Patel’s descendants, adding a personal and historical dimension to the national celebration of unity.
Those attending will include Sardar Patel’s grandson Gautam Dahyabhai Patel (80) and his wife Dr Nandita Gautam Patel (79), his son Kedar Gautam Patel (47) and his wife Reena Patel (47). His daughter Kareena Kedar Patel (13), who is Sardar Patel’s great-granddaughter, will also be present.
Apart from this, Sameer Indrakant Patel (68) and Rita S. Patel (66), extended family members, will attend the event to pay tribute to him.
The gathering of Sardar Patel’s family across generations at the 182 meter high statue is not only a symbol of family pride but also a lasting legacy of national unity and integrity as envisioned by the ‘Iron Man’ of India. The presence of the Prime Minister along with his descendants is expected to make the celebrations deeply symbolic – a mix of history, emotion and patriotism.
Ekta Nagar, once a quiet riverside town, has now transformed into a living symbol of India’s unity and progress. With the participation of Sardar Patel’s family, this year’s celebration promises to be a poignant reminder of the man whose vision and leadership laid the foundation of a united India.
Born on October 31, 1875 in Nadiad, present-day Kheda district of Gujarat, Sardar Patel was trained as a barrister in England, returning to India to practice law in Ahmedabad, where he soon became known for his sharp intellect and deep sympathy for the common people.
Patel’s leadership in Gujarat first came to prominence during the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918, where he led farmers in protest against unjust tax collection during a famine.
His success in negotiating relief from the British marked him as a fearless and practical leader. He further cemented his reputation during the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928, a non-violent revolt of farmers against increased land revenue.
–IANS
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