High Commission of India

Accra, Ghana

The week long celebrations of the 141^st Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel organized by the Mission began with photographic exhibition and screening of documentary on October 29, 2016 when an informal Diwali get together was organized for the Mission officials and their families. The formal celebration on 31^st October began with the administering of National Unity “Rashtriya Ekta” pledge to all the Indian officials working in the Mission at 1100 hrs. followed by inauguration of the exhibition by the High Commissioner in the multi-purpose hall of the Mission premises in the evening. In his remarks, High Commissioner dwelt upon the life and achievements of Sardar Patel and especially the stellar role played by the Iron man of India in integrating princely states with India. He also informed the Mission officials about Junagarh states integration with India and asked them to be vigilant to counter the propaganda launched by our neighbours regarding this issue (though they do not have Mission in Ghana). He urged the Mission officials to be fully informed about the circumstances surrounding accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir with India, the UN Resolution and be in position to counter any argument made by the foreign diplomats in this regard including the issue of plebiscite. A number of Indian nationals also attended the event, which also included screening of the documentary titled:  “A Man of Silence – Sardar Vallabbhai Patel”. A power point presentation was also made about the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) 2017.

2. Photographic Exhibition was also organized at DPS International School in Tema on 2^nd November 2016 where students, teachers and some Indian community members attended the event.In his remarks after inaugurating the exhibition, High Commissioner dwelt upon great accomplishments of a truly patriotic, unifier and fiercely nationalist leader and urged the students to imbibe lessons from life of Sardar Patel, known as Iron Man of India and also referred as Bismarc of India. He also thanked DPSI for hosting the exhibition. In his remarks, Chairman of DPSI also urged students to learn from the life and works of great leaders like Sardar Patel. Documentary “A Man of Silence – Sardar Vallabbhai Patel” was also screened.

3. The exhibition will continue to be displayed in the multipurpose hall of the Mission till 26^th November, which would be celebrated as Constitution Day. Some photographs taken during the events are attached for information.