Consulate of India in Chicago celebrates National Unity Day

October 31, 2022

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India’s Consul General in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, Anindita Ghosh, Dr. Bharat Barai, and Dr. Panna Barai lighting the lamp to start celebrations of India’s Unity Day in recognition of the role played by freedom fighter Sardar Vallabbhai Patel’s 147th birth anniversary. Photo: courtesy Indian Consulate

The Indian Consulate in Chicago hosted Rashtriya Ekta Divas, or National Unity Day, an event that was celebrated all over India to mark the 147th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Sardar Patel, an Indian freedom fighter and independent India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, is credited with playing a major role in the political integration of India.

India’s Consul General in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, addressing the audience Oct. 30, 2022, to celebrate India Unity Day. Photo: Indian Consulate

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel lived an extraordinary life in extraordinary times, noted India’s Consul General Somnath Ghosh, in his opening remarks, according to a press release from the Consulate.

Participants in the cultural program which was part of the Oct. 30, 2022, celebration of India’s National Unity Day at the Chicago Consulate. Photo: Indian Consulate in Chicago

Consul General Ghosh described the Indian leader’s role as ‘vital’ both in the Indian freedom struggle and the unification of States when India became independent. It earned him the title of ‘Iron Man of India’ and history remembers him as the builder and consolidator of New India, Ghosh said.

Dr. Muneer-Uz-Zaman Muneer, prominent Urdu poet, at the Oct. 30, 2022, India’s National Unity Day in Chicago Consulate. Photo Indian Consulate

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, president, IHA-Indiana Chapter at Oct. 30, 2022 event in Chicago Indian Consulate. Photo: Indian Consulate

Dr. Sarda Purna Sonty, Telugu scholar at the Oct. 30, 2022 India’s National Unity Day at the Chicago Consulate. Photo: Indian Consulate

The event was attended by scholars of Hindi and different languages of India. It also included members of the Indian diaspora from different States of the U.S. Midwest and several children and youth.

The prominent Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee, Dr. Bharat Barai spoke about the life and work of Sardar Patel. Dr. Rakesh Kumar, president of the International Hindi Association (IHA-Indiana Chapter) in his remarks noted how IHA’s efforts have contributed to national unity.

Rakesh Malhotra, prominent Hindi poet and president, Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) delivered a brief talk on “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”