Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan virtually addressed the inauguration of a Permanent Exhibition on the Journey of Vande Mataram and a three-day International Seminar on 'Sardar Patel's Vision: Integration, Unification and Federalism' organized by the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) at Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on July 10, 2026. The event commemorates two historic milestones: the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The Vice President described IIAS as an institution that has nurtured highest-order scholarship for six decades and appreciated its organization of these events. He emphasized that while innovations can make a nation prosperous, great nations are built on ideas. He highlighted Vande Mataram's role during India's freedom movement in uniting people across regions, languages, faiths, and social backgrounds through the shared dream of an independent India, transforming love for the motherland into a sacred national duty.
Specifically mentioning contributions from Tamil Nadu, the Vice President cited freedom fighters V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Tiruppur Kumaran, Vanchinathan, and Mahakavi Subramania Bharati as drawing inspiration from Vande Mataram. He stated that patriotism should be reflected daily through honesty in conduct, excellence in work, and unity of purpose.
Regarding Sardar Patel, the Vice President noted that while Vande Mataram inspired the nation's birth, Patel transformed hundreds of princely states into one united Republic, integrating not only territories but also hearts and laying the foundation for one nation, one Constitution, and one common destiny. He expressed confidence that the three-day seminar would generate meaningful insights into Patel's enduring vision for nation-building and that the permanent exhibition would inspire future generations, particularly youth.
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