Chicago, Illinois, USA: FIA Chicago to Celebrate Sardar Patel’s 150th Birth Anniversary

The event is designed to highlight “the unity and resilience of the Indian community abroad,” organisers said.

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) in Chicago, established in 1980, will honour the 150th birth anniversary of the renowned Indian leader Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with a Community Unity Walk/Run scheduled for October 25.

Set to take place at Volkening Lake, the program will commence at 1:00 p.m. and feature a 1-kilometre walk/run open to individuals, families, and local community organisations. According to organisers, the initiative aims to demonstrate “the strength and togetherness of the Indian diaspora.”

“All affiliated groups and their members are welcome to take part,” FIA Chicago stated in a press release, urging families and community groups to join in the celebrations.

Born in 1875, Sardar Patel was instrumental in integrating more than 560 princely states into independent India, earning him the moniker “Iron Man of India.” His birthday, observed annually on October 31, is celebrated as National Unity Day in India.

Established in 1980, FIA Chicago is one of the largest Indian-American non-profit umbrella organisations in the United States, representing a wide network of cultural, civic, and social groups throughout the Midwest.