PM Modi to Lead Mega Panels for Grand Anniversaries of Patel, Vajpayee and Birsa Munda
Image via The Indian Express
New Delhi, August 26, 2025 – The Government of India has set up three high-level committees chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to celebrate the historic anniversaries of three towering leaders – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Birsa Munda. The panels will organise nationwide events to mark the 150th birth anniversaries of Patel and Munda and the 100th birth anniversary of Vajpayee.
The official notifications were issued by the Ministry of Culture last week. These panels will play a key role in planning and guiding large-scale programmes across India.
Committees Led by the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair all three panels. Each committee will have over 100 members. They will include senior political leaders, former presidents, state chief ministers, Union ministers, governors, MPs, academics, cultural figures and family members of the leaders being commemorated.
The Ministry has clarified that these committees will:
- Approve programmes.
- Supervise celebrations.
- Suggest venues and schedules.
- Send final recommendations to the central government.
The panels will hold meetings in the coming months. Plans will be rolled out across states and union territories. The idea is to ensure that the contributions of these leaders reach every part of the nation.
Who Are the Members of the Panels
The government has roped in a wide variety of leaders and experts. This shows the national importance given to the celebrations.
- Former Presidents Pratibha Patil and Ram Nath Kovind
- Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
- Chief Ministers including Nitish Kumar, Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, Yogi Adityanath, Bhupesh Baghel and many others
- Senior Union Ministers such as Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, S Jaishankar and Anurag Thakur
- Governors and Lieutenant Governors from different states
- Academicians, authors, social workers and sports personalities
- Family members of Patel, Vajpayee and Munda
With such a wide representation, the committees are expected to design programmes that reflect the diversity of India.
The Anniversaries and Their Importance
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – 150th Birth Anniversary
- Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat
- Known as the Iron Man of India
- Played the most crucial role in the integration of over 565 princely states after Independence
- Served as India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister
- His vision of unity is remembered as the backbone of modern India
The anniversary will highlight his role in creating a united India. It will also showcase his leadership in building a strong administrative system.
Birsa Munda – 150th Birth Anniversary
- Born on November 15, 1875, in present-day Jharkhand
- A legendary tribal freedom fighter who led the Ulgulan (Great Tumult) against British colonial rule
- Fought for the rights of tribal communities over land and forests
- Became a symbol of indigenous pride and resistance
- Worshipped by tribal people as “Bhagwan Birsa”
The events will celebrate his courage, his movement for tribal identity and his contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee – 100th Birth Anniversary
- Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior
- Served as Prime Minister of India three times
- Known for his oratory, poetry and statesmanship
- Oversaw the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998
- Launched the Golden Quadrilateral project to modernise road infrastructure
- Received the Bharat Ratna in 2015
His centenary will be marked with programmes focusing on his contribution to democracy, foreign policy, economy and literature.
Why the Government is Taking This Step
The government sees these anniversaries as a chance to bring people together. Each of these leaders represents different sections of Indian society:
- Patel for national unity and strength.
- Birsa Munda for tribal pride and freedom.
- Vajpayee for democratic values and modern governance.
By forming these panels, the government wants to send a strong message that the values of these leaders remain relevant today.
What the Committees Will Do
The three committees will not just be symbolic. They have been tasked with real responsibilities.
- Plan exhibitions, cultural programmes and seminars.
- Approve memorial projects and academic conferences.
- Support events at district and village levels.
- Ensure involvement of youth, schools, and universities.
- Coordinate with states for joint programmes.
Sources from the Culture Ministry said that year-long celebrations are being planned. Some events will also take place abroad to highlight India’s heritage.
The Scale of Celebrations
Government officials suggest that these commemorations will be on a grand scale. Large public events are expected in Delhi, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and other states closely linked to these leaders.
Digital campaigns and outreach through television and social media will also be part of the plan. The idea is to make the younger generation aware of the sacrifices and contributions of Patel, Vajpayee and Munda.