Formation of High-Level Committees by the Government on the Birth Anniversaries of sardar Patel, Birsa Munda, and Vajpayee

Why in news ?

• The Government of India has recently constituted three separate high-level committees to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Birsa Munda, and the centenary (100th birth anniversary) of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. 
• All three committees will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875–1950)

• Born: 31 October 1875 (Nadiad, Gujarat)
• Title: Iron Man of India
• Contributions:
  • Integration of over 500 princely states into independent India.
  • Played a key role in laying the foundation of India’s administrative system and unity.
  • First Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India.
• Honour: Commemorated through the Statue of Unity (2018).

Birsa Munda (1875–1900)

• Born: 15 November 1875 (Ulihatu, Jharkhand)
• Title: Dharti Aba (Father of the Earth)
• Contributions:
  • Led the Ulgulan movement (1899–1900) against British and landlord exploitation.
  • Inspired tribal people to fight for their land and forest rights.
  • Martyred at the age of 25, leaving an immortal contribution to tribal consciousness and India’s freedom struggle.
• Legacy:
  • Jharkhand state was formed on 15 November 2000, coinciding with his birth anniversary.
  • Birsa Munda Jail (Ranchi) and several national institutions are named in his honor.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924–2018)

• Born: 25 December 1924 (Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh)
• Title: Bharat Ratna, Poet, Politician, Eloquent Speaker
• Political Contributions:
  • Served three terms as Prime Minister of India (1996, 1998–99, 1999–2004).
  • Oversaw India becoming a nuclear power: Pokhran-II nuclear tests, 1998.
  • Golden Quadrilateral highway project for infrastructure development.
  • Efforts to improve relations with neighboring countries, including the Lahore bus journey and peace initiatives.
• Legacy:
  • Namesakes include Atal Pension Scheme, Atal Tunnel, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University.
  • Awarded Bharat Ratna in 2015.

Significance and Analysis:

• Symbol of National Unity: Patel ensured India’s political unity.
• Symbol of Tribal Pride: Birsa Munda remains a symbol of cultural resistance and self-respect for tribal communities.
• Ideal of Democratic Leadership: Vajpayee provided new direction to democracy, inclusiveness, and development.

Purpose of the Committees:

• To widely promote the contributions of these great leaders.
• To inspire youth and the general public toward nation-building.
• To connect their ideas with national policies and cultural programs.