Honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
National Committees to Honour Patel Vajpayee and Birsa Munda: The Government of India has set up a committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Born on 31 October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat, Patel was instrumental in India’s freedom movement and the nation’s political integration.
Known as the Iron Man of India, Patel achieved the historic unification of 565 princely states into the Indian Union. This feat laid the foundation for a strong and united country.
The committee will focus on events that underline Patel’s role in national integration, administrative leadership, and strengthening India’s democratic framework.
Static GK fact: Patel was the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India.
Celebrating Birsa Munda’s Tribal Legacy
The second committee will commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, born on 15 November 1875. He remains a heroic figure for tribal communities and a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule.
Leader of the Ulgulan (Revolution) movement, Birsa Munda mobilised tribal communities against land alienation and exploitation, earning him enduring respect as “Dharti Abba” or the Father of the Earth.
The celebrations will promote tribal heritage, cultural pride, and awareness of Janjatiya resistance movements. This aligns with the observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, celebrated on his birth anniversary since 2021.
Static GK fact: Birsa Munda is the only tribal leader whose portrait hangs in the Central Hall of the Indian Parliament.
Marking Vajpayee’s Birth Centenary
The third committee will oversee events for the 100th birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, born on 25 December 1924. Vajpayee was a distinguished statesman, poet, and the first non-Congress Prime Minister to serve a full term.
His tenure witnessed the Pokhran-II nuclear tests of 1998, the launch of the Golden Quadrilateral highway project, and governance reforms emphasising transparency and efficiency. His birthday is already observed as Good Governance Day.
The centenary celebrations will include public campaigns, seminars, cultural programs, and poetry contests highlighting Vajpayee’s leadership and vision.
Static GK fact: Vajpayee was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2015 and also received the Padma Vibhushan in 1992.
National Significance
These commemorations reflect India’s effort to honour leaders who shaped the nation’s identity and values. Through inclusive historical recognition, the government aims to highlight unity, tribal contributions, and democratic governance.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
National Committees to Honour Patel Vajpayee and Birsa Munda:
Topic | Detail |
Committee Chairperson | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
Sardar Patel Birth Anniversary | 150th year, 31 October 1875 |
Patel Contribution | Integration of 565 princely states |
Birsa Munda Birth Anniversary | 150th year, 15 November 1875 |
Birsa Munda Movement | Ulgulan against British exploitation |
Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas | Observed on 15 November since 2021 |
Vajpayee Birth Centenary | 100th year, 25 December 1924 |
Vajpayee Key Events | Pokhran-II tests, Golden Quadrilateral, governance reforms |
Good Governance Day | Observed on 25 December |
National Awards to Vajpayee | Bharat Ratna (2015), Padma Vibhushan (1992) |