High Commission of India

Kuala Lumpur

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PRESS RELEASE

Celebration of Rashtriya Ekta Divas in Malaysia

The High Commission of India in Malaysia virtually celebrated Rashtriya Ekta Divas or National Unity Day, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on 31 October 2021. Rashtriya Ekta Divas commemorates Sardar Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India, who was Independent India’s first deputy Prime Minister and instrumental in unifying India by facilitating the joining of semi-autonomous princely states and British –era colonial provinces in the Union of India.

2. This year’s Rashtriya Ekta Divas celebrations are part of the ongoing Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, which is being celebrated from March 2021 to mark the 75 years of India’s Independence.

3. The celebration was held in association with the Bharat Club, Malaysian Armed Forces Sikh Veterans Association, Malaysia-India Heritage Group, Kongress Indian Muslim Malaysia (KIMMA), Gujarati Association Wilayah & Selangor and Global India International School (GIIS), Kuala Lumpur.

4. The event began with a welcome speech by the High Commissioner, H.E. Mr B.N. Reddy who in his remarks, highlighted that the celebrations provided an opportunity to reaffirm the inherent strength and resilience of the nation to withstand actual and potential threats to unity, integrity and security of India. He also thanked the partner organizations in joining the celebrations.

5. The celebrations continued with the short film titled “Contribution of Sardar Patel in nation Building’’. Mr. Parijat Joshi, member of Bharat Club and Mr. Sirajudeen Bin Alaudin, Deputy President of KIMMA spoke about relevance and messages of Sardar Patel to our current times. Mr. Himanshu Bhatt, Malaysia-India Heritage Group member spoke on Sardar Patel’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle. Mr. Baldev Singh, President, Malaysian Armed Forces Sikh Veterans Association and Mr. Bhashkar P Chitalia, Vice President, Gujarati Association Wilayah & Selangor discussed the exemplary role of Sardar Patel in nation building. Global Indian International School Kuala Lumpur presented poetry recitation, speech and paintings by their students to mark the occasion.

Kuala Lumpur

1 November 2021