Tuensang District marks Sardar Patel’s 150th Birth Anniversary

Morung Express News
Tuensang | November 18

Tuensang district on Tuesday marked the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with a Unity March and a culmination programme.

The march, which began at the Clock Tower and proceeded to the Town Hall, saw participation from students, officials, community organisations, and the youth. The event was held under the national observance of ‘Sardar@150-Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

Nagaland’s Housing and Mechanical (PWD) Minister P Bashangmongba Chang attended as the special guest. Addressing the gathering, Chang underscored Patel’s “unmatched contribution to the idea of a united India.”

“He laid the foundation of a united nation, diverse in culture, rich in heritage, yet united in spirit,” the minister said. He urged the public to uphold Patel’s legacy not only through ceremonial observance but in “our thoughts, actions, and daily conduct.”

The culmination programme, chaired by Er Moasanen Imsong, NCS, EAC, began with an invocation by Abeno Murry, Women Pastor, Lotha Baptist Church, Tuensang. 

Kishor Barman, District Youth Officer of MY Bharat, delivered a lecture on the life of Sardar Patel, recalling his leadership during the Kheda and Bardoli movements and his decisive role in integrating more than 560 princely states.

Philip Yanthan, Additional SP Tuensang, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted Patel’s ideals of discipline and civic duty, quoting the statesman’s reminder that “manpower without unity is not a strength unless it is harmonised and united properly.”

Yanthan urged students and citizens to view unity as an everyday responsibility. “Our progress as a people depends on shared purpose and mutual respect,” he said.

Longlang Luckpan, District Welfare Officer, Tuensang, spoke on the Nasha Mukht Bharat campaign, stressing the need for community-led intervention to curb substance abuse among youth.

A series of district-level Essay competition, Poster/Banner/Prop Making and debate competitions were held as part of the observance. Sao Chang College was acknowledged for its participation in both Yoga and Wellness and the Talks and Lecture on Sardar Vallabhai Patel, while St John’s Higher Secondary School were also felicitated for the cultural presentation.

District officials, tribal leaders, public forums, teachers and volunteers attended the event. A prize distribution ceremony followed, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Berimong, NCS, SDO (C).