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Dimapur, Nov. 1 (EMN): Resource speakers were of the opinion that Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel laid the foundation for a strong and united India and that his life would continue to inspire every generation of Indians to work for a healthy and prosperous society.
They also shared their opinions during a webinar on “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel- His life, philosophy, ideology and contribution" organised by the Press Information Bureau, Kohima, on October 30 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. Speaking on the occasion, Thungchanbeni Kithan, assistant professor of History from Nagaland University, stated that Sardar Patel joined freedom movement in 1917 after being influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. She added that his initial struggle for the rights of the farmers in Kheda led to a powerful movement against the British authorities.
Kithan recounted the details of patel’s contribution to the freedom movement stating that he was recognised right from the start as one of the tallest leaders of freedom movement. She pointed out that it was not only Junagarh, Hyderabad and Jammu and Kashmir that were difficult to integrate but also Nagaland.
Arun Kumar Singh, professor of Political Science from Nagaland University, stated that India today needs leaders like Sardar Patel as it faces constant threats to unity, both internal and external. He lamented that scant attention was given to the huge contribution of Patel in history and political science books.
“We cannot think of Indian freedom struggle or of a united India without Sardar. His push for cooperative movement among farmers in Gujarat is paying results even today,” he added.
Abhishek Dayal, PIB director of Imphal, stated that the occasion of patel’s birth anniversary has given an opportunity to refresh the memories of his values and ideas. He asked the media to highlight the lives and times of the founding fathers so that the children also learn the lessons of dedication to motherland and service to the poorest people.
In his welcome address, K Sonikumar Singh, PIB assistant director of Kohima, stated that PIB is hosting a series of webinars on Patel to pay homage to the great leader as well as to initiate a vibrant public discourse on the values of freedom movement.
In his vote of thanks, P Sophie, field exhibition officer, FOB Kohima, stated that it would be a befitting homage to the ‘Iron man of India’ by educating the younger generation about his ideas and values.
The webinar was attended by more than 30 officials of the North East Zone, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, members of the media, students and academicians.