In a vibrant tribute to India's unity and heritage, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Research Scholars' Hostel at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has officially inaugurated the national festival 'Bharat Vaibhav'. This grand celebration is part of a central government initiative for biennial nationwide events and is timed to honor the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, revered as the 'Iron Man of India'.
A Year-Long Celebration of Heritage and Unity
The festival is designed as an extensive, year-long series of events. It will commence on December 25, 2024, the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, and conclude on October 31, 2026, the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The official logo for this ambitious festival was unveiled at a ceremony in Varanasi on Wednesday.
The launch event saw the presence of distinguished personalities including Padma Bhushan Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, and senior journalist Achyutanand Mishra. Renowned vocalist Padma Shri Malini Awasthi, Padma Shri Vidyabindu Singh, and officials from IGNCA and Vidyashree Nyas were also present. The logo itself was creatively designed by research scholar Rahul Shaw.
Objectives and Thematic Focus
Festival convener Dhirendra Rai outlined the dual purpose of 'Bharat Vaibhav'. He stated that while the festival aims to preserve the nation's rich multicultural heritage, it also seeks to establish a foundation for social conduct among the youth. The goal is to expand their intellectual capacities within academic institutions and various professional fields.
The core objective is to highlight Sardar Patel's unwavering commitment to national integration and his pivotal role in the reconstruction of post-independence India. The festival's thematic focus will be to internalize India's democratic prosperity and historical pride. This will be achieved through a diverse array of programs including scholarly discussions, workshops, research projects, and cultural events, all centered on themes related to 'Bharat Vaibhav'.
Call for Public Participation
Shailendra Kumar Singh, the organising secretary of the festival, made a heartfelt appeal to the public. He encouraged everyone to actively participate in this festival, which is dedicated to 'Sardar Patel 150'. The broader vision is to realize the powerful concept of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' (One India, Great India), championed by the current government.
The 'Bharat Vaibhav' festival promises to be a significant platform that bridges India's glorious past with its dynamic present, using the legacy of Sardar Patel as a guiding force for national unity and pride.
