FIA Chicago honors Iron Man of India: Unity Walk marks 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Braving a crisp 50°F (10°C) morning, over 60 members of the Indian-American community gathered along the Walking Lake at 950 West Shabbat Road October 25, 2025, to participate in a Unity Walk organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago).

The event was attended by a distinguished group of FIA Trustees and community leaders, including: Kantibhai N. Patel, Dr. Rashmi Patel, Rakesh Malhotra, Hina Trivedi , Executives Amar Upadhyay, Joy (Dipen) Shah, Anil Singh, Arvind Ankleshwaria , and leaders Haribhai Patel, Sanjay Vora, Manish Patel, Hashmukh Patel, Vandana Jhingan, Anurag Awasthi, Dipti Desai, Ravi Narumanchi, Phani Krishna, Harish Patel, Bhavesh (Bob) Patel, Harish Topiwala, Bhanubhai Vyas, Smitesh Shah, Harshad Shah, Prakash Anturkar, Gokul Shah , and many others. PHOTO: FIA Chicago

The event was part of global celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s Iron Man, who many consider, shaped the destiny of modern India. Participants waved the tricolor, walked in solidarity, and shared stories of the leader who transformed a divided subcontinent into a united republic.

The Unity Walk began with the American and Indian national anthems, symbolizing the shared democratic ideals of freedom and equality between India and the United States.

FIA President Hemant Patel welcomed the attendees and reflected on Sardar Patel’s impact on India’s unity.

Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, Sardar Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel rose from a modest background to become one of India’s greatest nation-builders. Trained as a barrister in London, Patel returned to India to serve his people and soon became a key figure in India’s freedom struggle, deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of truth and non-violence.

Patel’s leadership during the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928, where he led farmers in a successful protest against unjust British taxes, earned him the affectionate title “Sardar,” meaning “Leader.”

After India’s independence in 1947, he became India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, and was critical to the building of a unified country out of 565 princely states. He is also credited with the foresight to establish the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS).

Sardar Patel passed away on December 15, 1950, but his vision of national unity endures. The Statue of Unity in Gujarat — the tallest statue in the world at 597 feet is a global symbol of his courage and patriotism.

“Without Sardar Patel, there would be no united India,” said FIA Chicago President Hemant Patel said.“Today, we honor not just his legacy but his message — that true strength lies in unity, courage, and service to the nation.”

Hemant Patel also reminded participants that Sardar Patel had received the highest number of votes to become India’s first Prime Minister, highlighting his immense popularity and respect among India’s freedom fighters.

FIA Executive Amar Upadhyay paid tribute to Sardar Patel’s decisive role in integrating Hyderabad and Junagadh, ensuring India’s complete territorial unity.

“He didn’t just unite states — he united hearts,” said Upadhyay. “Sardar Patel’s legacy is not confined to history books; it lives in the idea of India itself.”

Community leaders Hari Patel, Dr. Rashmi Patel, and Sanjay Vora proposed building a Statue of Unity replica in Chicagoland, as a lasting symbol of Patel’s ideals for future generations of Indian Americans.

A particularly emotional moment came when 89-year-old FIA Trustee Kanti N. Patel shared firsthand memories of how Sardar Patel’s leadership inspired rural communities to resist British oppression and reclaim their dignity, his voice trembling with emotion.

The one-mile Unity Walk saw participation across generations. 9-year-old Aarav Ankleshwaria, walking beside Kanti Patel (age 89). Both, along with Kalpana Shah, were honored with Unity Walk medals as a token of appreciation.

The crowd echoed chants of “Long Live Sardar Patel!” and “Jai Hind!” as tricolor flags of India fluttered in the breeze. As the Unity Walk concluded, the participants stood together for a moment of silence — honoring Sardar Patel’s contribution to India’s unity and reaffirming their commitment to uphold his ideals.

“If one man, without technology or political power, could unite an entire subcontinent,” said Hemant Patel, “Then together, we – as the Indian diaspora – can unite hearts across the world.