Om Birla Highlights Sardar Patel’s Enduring Legacy
Addressing over 600 students from across India who participated in the “Know Your Leader” program organized by PRIDE, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of unity, discipline, and integrity continues to guide India’s journey toward becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). He said that Patel’s leadership transformed the idea of freedom into the framework of governance and laid the foundations of India’s democratic and administrative unity.
“Sardar Patel’s ideals remind us that strength comes from unity, and progress stems from discipline,” Shri Birla said, calling upon India’s youth to uphold these values as they shape the country’s future.
Youth as Architects of Viksit Bharat
Birla lauded the role of India’s young generation, describing them as the driving force behind national transformation. He noted that today’s youth, guided by Patel’s principles, are leading innovations in science, digital technology, green energy, and space exploration. “The achievements of India’s youth reflect the confidence of a nation rooted in its cultural heritage yet embracing modernity,” he remarked.
He further stated that the 21st century belongs to nations that invest in their youth, and India’s demographic dividend offers unparalleled opportunities for global leadership. “Our youth’s creativity, enterprise, and sense of duty are shaping a new world where India stands as a beacon of progress and problem-solving,” he added.
India: A Beacon of Hope and Stability
Reflecting on Sardar Patel’s vision, the Lok Sabha Speaker said the world today looks to India as a symbol of hope, progress, and stability. He credited the nation’s rising global profile to the energy and determination of its young citizens. “The world’s growing confidence in India is a tribute to the commitment and talent of its people, inspired by leaders like Patel who united India against all odds,” he said.
Birla underscored Patel’s statesmanship in integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union—a monumental achievement that ensured India’s unity and sovereignty. “Sardar Patel converted the spirit of freedom into an enduring framework of governance,” Birla said, adding that his values remain relevant in an era defined by knowledge, technology, and innovation.
Tribute to the Iron Man of India
As the nation marked Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, the event served as a reminder of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s lifelong commitment to nation-building. Leaders recalled how Patel’s vision of a united India continues to inspire the government’s efforts toward inclusive development and social cohesion.
Through floral tributes, speeches, and interactive sessions with youth, the ceremony echoed a resounding message: India’s unity is its greatest strength. The legacy of Sardar Patel, the “Iron Man of India,” remains deeply embedded in the nation’s democratic spirit and its relentless march toward progress.
