Secunderabad hosts ‘Sardar@150 Unity March’

As part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of India’s first Home Minister and the ‘Iron Man of India’, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a massive ‘Sardar@150 Ekta (Unity) March’ was organized at Sitafalmandi in Secunderabad. A huge number of people attended the event, including Union Minister Kishan Reddy, BJP State President Ramachander Rao, prominent public representatives, officials, party leaders, youth, women, and students.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Kishan Reddy said that it is everyone’s responsibility to present Sardar Patel’s sacrifices for India’s unity and integrity as an inspiration for the youth. He recalled the great effort made by Patel in uniting more than 540 princely states after India’s independence and bringing the entire nation under a single flag. He stated that Patel liberated the Hyderabad State from Nizam’s rule and filled the land of Telangana with the colors of the tricolour flag; his services must be passed down to future generations.

BJP State President Ramachander Rao said that, on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who united the princely states of the Indian subcontinent the Narendra Modi government is organizing several programs across the country. As part of these national celebrations, under the leadership of BJP Yuva Morcha State President Ganesh Kunda, BJYM activists visited the ‘Statue of Unity’, the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, located in Kevadia village of Gujarat.

The main aim of this program is to instill national sentiments among the youth and make them aware of the historical role played by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the integration of Hyderabad State into India. Organizers expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic participation of the people of Secunderabad and for making the celebrations successful. They urged the youth and students to increase their knowledge of the nation’s history, follow the path shown by Patel, and contribute to India’s development. The event was committed to keeping the spirit of Sardar Patel alive in future generations.

Sardar Patel’s iron will against Nizam rule: merger of Hyderabad State

After India gained independence, it was due to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s determination to achieve national integration that Hyderabad State could be merged into the Indian Union in 1948. Although India attained independence in 1947, the Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, tried to continue as an independent ruler. His refusal to accede to the Indian Union and the violent acts of the Razakars created unrest in the state.

Observing the growing threat to national security, Patel initially attempted peaceful negotiations. But as the atrocities of the Razakars increased, the Central Government decided to take firm action. On September 13, 1948, a military operation named ‘Operation Polo’ was launched. In the five-day operation, the Indian Army swiftly advanced and on September 17, the Nizam surrendered. Soon after, the Hyderabad princely state was officially merged into the Indian Union.

Through this military action, Hyderabad became a part of India. By uniting more than 540 princely states and liberating Hyderabad from Nizam rule, Patel permanently hoisted the tricolour on Telangana soil and secured a glorious place for himself in Indian history.