Five-day student engagement programme culminates in felicitation ceremony; biography released and documentary film screened.
NEW DELHI: The Journalist Association of India (JAI) organised a grand commemorative programme to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the legendary Iron Man of India and one of the foremost architects of India’s national integration. The programme was held at Sachdeva Global School, Sector-18A, Dwarka, New Delhi, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The main ceremony marked the culmination of nearly five days of inter-school educational, literary, cultural and creative activities involving students from schools across Dwarka and other parts of Delhi. The initiative was designed to introduce the younger generation to Sardar Patel’s extraordinary life, leadership, patriotism and historic contribution to nation-building, while promoting the values of national unity, integrity, discipline, constitutional responsibility and “Nation First.”
Approximately 1,200 students, along with teachers, principals, educationists, journalists, social workers and distinguished guests, participated in the programme and related activities.
Five Days of Inter-School Competitions and Awareness Activities
Ahead of the main ceremony, JAI organised a series of competitions and awareness activities for students, including Essay Writing, Speech, Fancy Dress, Drawing and Painting Competitions, Dance Performances and other Cultural Presentations based on the life, achievements and national vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Through essays, speeches, artwork, costumes and performances, students portrayed Sardar Patel’s role in transforming the dream of a politically united India into reality. Particular emphasis was placed on his historic contribution to the integration of princely states and his enduring message of unity in diversity.
The competitions were conceived not merely as contests but as an educational initiative to encourage students to study Sardar Patel’s life, understand the historical context of India’s integration and appreciate the duties and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic nation.
Grand Commemorative Ceremony at Sachdeva Global School
The main commemorative ceremony was held on 25 August 2026 in the presence of distinguished personalities from the fields of public service, administration, education, journalism and social development.
Mrs. Kusum Chopra, President, Journalist Association of India, welcomed the distinguished guests, principals, teachers, students, journalists and other participants.
In her address, she emphasised that Sardar Patel’s legacy is not confined to history books. His courage, administrative ability, discipline and unwavering commitment to national unity continue to remain a source of inspiration for India’s younger generations.
Distinguished Guests Grace the Occasion
The programme was graced by eminent personalities including:
- Mrs. KamaljeetSehrawat, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, West Delhi — Presiding Dignitary
- Shri Kushal Pal Singh, DCP, Dwarka District, Delhi — Chief Guest
- Dr. N. V. Kumat, Former Director, Health Services — Special Guest
- Ms. Savita Drall, Former Deputy Director of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi — Special Guest
- Dr. Hema Kohle, CMO (NFSG), Directorate of AYUSH — Guest of Honour
- Dr. T. P. Singh, Former Principal and Deputy Director of Education — Guest of Honour
- Ms. Anjali Kharbanda, Principal, N. K. Bagrodia Public School, Sector-4, Dwarka — Guest of Honour
- Ms. Miti Dhingra, Principal, Sachdeva Global School — Guest of Honour
- Mr. Eshan Chopra, Portfolio Manager, Punjab — Guest of Honour
- Mr. Siddhartha Satyarthi, Startup Evangelist, Haryana — Guest of Honour
- Mr. P. K. Sharma, Civil Aviation, Uttar Pradesh — Guest of Honour
The dignitaries addressed the gathering and reflected on Sardar Patel’s unparalleled contribution to India’s freedom movement, national integration and institution-building.
They encouraged students to imbibe the values for which Sardar Patel is remembered — discipline, determination, courage, integrity, public service and commitment to national unity.
The guests also appreciated the efforts of the Journalist Association of India and acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in promoting awareness among students and the wider community about the life and contribution of one of India’s greatest nation-builders.
Biography of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Released
A major highlight of the ceremony was the formal release of a biography of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel authored by Dr. H. K. Sethi.
The biography traces Sardar Patel’s journey from his early life and legal career to his participation in the freedom struggle, his leadership in the Kheda and Bardoli movements, his role in the Indian National Congress and, most importantly, his historic contribution to integrating the princely states into the Indian Union.
Copies of the biography were distributed among students, teachers, principals and other participants, with the objective of carrying Sardar Patel’s message and legacy beyond the commemorative event.
Documentary Film on the Iron Man of India Screened
The programme also featured the screening of a special documentary film on the life and achievements of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, directed by Dr. H. K. Sethi.
The documentary highlighted major milestones in the life of the Iron Man of India, including his role in the freedom struggle, the integration of princely states and the establishment of a strong administrative framework for independent India.
The film was designed as an engaging educational medium, particularly for students and younger audiences, to make Sardar Patel’s contribution more accessible and memorable.
Students, Teachers and Principals Felicitated
The concluding ceremony recognised the enthusiasm, creativity and contribution of participating schools.
Students who excelled in Essay Writing, Speech, Fancy Dress, Drawing, Painting, Dance and other competitions were felicitated by the distinguished guests.
Certificates, trophies and copies of the Sardar Patel biography were presented to deserving students and participants. Teachers and principals were also honoured for their guidance, encouragement and contribution to the success of the educational initiative.
The distinguished guests personally interacted with and felicitated the students, making the occasion particularly memorable for the young participants.
The presence of senior educationists, public representatives, officials and professionals further reinforced the message that India’s future generations must remain connected with the country’s history, constitutional values and national heritage.
Celebrating “Ek Bharat, Akhand Bharat, Sashakt Bharat”
The programme reflected the central message of “Ek Bharat, Akhand Bharat, Sashakt Bharat” — One India, United India, Empowered India.
Through competitions, cultural presentations, speeches, the documentary film, the biography and interaction with distinguished guests, the Journalist Association of India sought to transform the commemoration into a meaningful initiative for public awareness, youth engagement and national integration.
JAI emphasised that remembering Sardar Patel is not merely about paying tribute to a great historical personality; it is about carrying forward his conviction that India’s strength lies in its unity and that national interest must remain above individual differences.
Gratitude to the Ministry of Culture and Sachdeva Global School
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. H. K. Sethi, Secretary-General, Journalist Association of India, delivered the Vote of Thanks.
He expressed sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for its valuable support to the programme and appreciated the Ministry’s continuing efforts to preserve India’s cultural and national heritage and familiarise younger generations with the lives and contributions of great national personalities.
Dr. Sethi also conveyed special appreciation to the Principal and Management of Sachdeva Global School, Dwarka, for their cooperation and for providing the facilities required for the successful conduct of the programme.
He thanked Mrs. Kusum Chopra, President of JAI, all distinguished guests, participating principals, teachers, students, journalists, volunteers, coordinators and supporting members whose collective efforts contributed to the success of the event.
The ceremony concluded in a patriotic atmosphere with a renewed commitment to uphold the ideals of unity, integrity, dedication and “Nation First” associated with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The Journalist Association of India reiterated its commitment to continue organising educational, cultural and public-awareness initiatives that connect the younger generation with India’s national heritage and the lives of the country’s great nation-builders.
