HYDERABAD, May 31: The 150th birth anniversary celebrations of India's "Iron Man" Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were held with grandeur at the Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad today evening under the "Ek Bharat - Shreshtha Bharat" programme.
Telangana BJP President N Ramchander Rao, addressing the gathering as chief guest, paid tributes to Sardar Patel for his historic role in preserving India's unity and integrity.
He said Sardar Patel's determination and strategic vision played a crucial role in integrating the Hyderabad State into the Indian union and thwarting attempts during the Nizam's rule to keep Hyderabad separate from India or merge it with Pakistan.
Ramchander Rao called upon the youth to uphold the ideals of freedom fighters and contribute towards building a developed India while protecting the country's unity and social harmony.
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also participated in the programme and described Sardar Patel as a "timeless force" who united 562 princely states through extraordinary diplomacy and leadership.
He said the present united India was possible only because of Sardar Patel's vision and sacrifice. Referring to the contributions of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Shekhawat urged citizens to work collectively towards the goal of a developed India.
(UNI)