Celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and the spirit of our national song, Vande Mataram, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University organized a Unity March dedicated to national integration on 21 November at the college amphitheatre. Joined by schools from the area, the event was brimming with youthful energy and fervour.
A nukkad natak by the Dramatics Society of LSR traced Sardar Patel’s journey
A cultural celebration
The event featured an evocative performance by the Dramatics Society of LSR in the form of a nukkad natak, on Sardar Patel’s journey, from a steadfast lawyer to the force who unified a divided nation. Tracing his leadership from Bardoli to the integration of the princely states, the play celebrated his unwavering commitment to a united and sovereign India.While Maa Tujhe Salaam reverberated throughout the amphitheatre, LSR’s music societies, Dhwani and Western Music Society, gave a standout performance to give a musical tribute to the Iron Man of India. As an acapella group that creates music using only their voices and strives to bring people together through harmony, the WMS and Dhwani collaborated for a performance of Jai Ho.
LSR’s music societies, Dhwani and Western Music Society collaborated to perform Jai Ho
‘Not a coincidence that these milestones are celebrated together’
The acting principal of the college, Prof. Kanika Ahuja, enthusiastically welcomed the guests. Noting the celebration of the great ideals, she said, “This is not a mere coincidence, both Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Vande Mataram have played a role in the unity and integration of India. Both represent the same fundamental ideals – unwavering dedication and the emotional and regional integration of India. While the Sardar Patel gave physical form to the integration of India, the Vande Mataram linked that integration to emotional and spiritual aspirations.“
(L to R) Anil Kumar Sharma, MLA, R.K. Puram, Prof. Kanika Ahuja, acting principal of LSR, Prof. Vikas Gupta, Registrar, DU, Satish Upadhyay, MLA, Malviya Nagar
MP Bansuri Swaraj, the chief guest of the event, candidly spoke to the students and motivated them to become self-reliant by upskilling. “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel gave India its unified form, and Vande Mataram stitched us together in spirit and purpose,” she said. She urged the youth to not just become job seekers but job creators, and to remember Sardar Patel as a timeless symbol of unity. She also encouraged the gathering to take an Oath of Commitment to the Nation (Swadeshi Sankalp Shapath) to strengthen national unity and support India’s journey toward self-reliance and collective progress.
Bansuri Swaraj encouraged the gathering to take an Oath of Commitment to the Nation (Swadeshi Sankalp Shapath)
The highlight was the Unity March which was led by the Chief Guest and guests of honour and was joined by students from various schools. It aimed to celebrate and reflect on the historical and cultural heritage of this iconic ode to the motherland.
Students from Lady Shri Ram College for Women (L) and schools in the area (R) participated in the Unity March
