Pondicherry University, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, inaugurated a two-day national seminar on “The Idea of Indian National Integration through the Vision of the Iron Man of India” on 21st August 2025. The seminar was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry and Chief Rector of Pondicherry University, Shri K. Kailashnathan.

In his welcome address, Dr. Nanda Kishor M. S. introduced the dignitaries and facilitated the felicitation of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor. Dr. Ritesh Rai, Convenor of the seminar, outlined the theme commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He informed that of the 150 abstracts received nationwide, 90 were shortlisted, representing 16 states and 30 universities, underlining the seminar’s national relevance in reinforcing Patel’s legacy of unity.

     

In her felicitation address, Dr. G. Chandrika highlighted Patel’s unwavering determination to preserve India’s unity at the time of independence. Senior Advocate R. Shankaranarayanan provided historical insights into Patel’s diplomatic role in integrating Junagadh, Hyderabad, and Kashmir, and urged participants to adopt the principle of “nation first, citizens next, self-last.”

Prof. Rajneesh Bhutani, Registrar of Pondicherry University, recalled Patel’s leadership during the Bardoli Satyagraha, which earned him the titles ‘Sardar’ and ‘Iron Man of India’. He emphasized Patel’s role in unifying 560 princely states and lauded the  Lieutenant Governor’s contributions towards Gujarat’s development. He further challenged the gathering to reflect on their own role in building Viksit Bharat 2047.

In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor Prof. P. Prakash Babu extolled Patel’s decisive leadership in the integration of States like Junagadh and Hyderabad, and acknowledged the guidance and vision of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor.

Delivering the inaugural address, Chief Guest Shri K. Kailashnathan described Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as a patriot, unifier, and nation-builder. Recalling the construction of the Statue of Unity from contributions of soil and iron collected from across India, he underlined Patel’s collaboration with V. P. Menon in facilitating the integration of princely states. He remarked that if Patel had been given complete authority, the Kashmir issue might have been resolved early. The Lieutenant Governor further reiterated the values of diversity, secularism, harmony, and national duty, reminding the audience: “India belongs to all and all belong to India.”

The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Sanjay Sharma, setting an inspiring tone for the deliberations to follow.

 

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