Central University of Kashmir (CUK), in collaboration with the Range Police Headquarters, Srinagar, organized a one-day national seminar on “Strong Leadership in Modern India – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Legacy” at Tulmulla on Thursday.

The seminar was organised to celebrate the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly hailed as the “Iron Man of India.”

In his welcome address, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani, Dean, School of Education stressed the need to re-engage with the legacy of Sardar Patel, emphasizing the relevance of his ethical leadership and administrative vision in contemporary governance and education.

In his address, Mr. Pir Zahoor Ahmad, JKPS, Staff Officer to DIG CKR, underscored the need for strong, principled leadership in a democratic setup. Drawing from his vast experience in policing, Mr. Ahmad linked Patel’s decisive leadership style to the core values of law enforcement and governance. He applauded the students for their insightful presentations and reminded them of the critical role they play in shaping the nation’s future.

Addressing the participants, Prof. Sandhiya Tiwari, Dean, School of Languages and International Affairs, and Chairperson, ICC, offered a spiritually uplifting narrative by connecting Patel’s legacy with the ethos of “Viksit Bharat” and Guru Purnima. She described leadership as a deeply human endeavour that must embody emotional intelligence, inclusivity, and social awareness. “Leadership must not only be visionary but also spiritually aware,” she emphasized.

Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir, Dean, School of Legal Studies and Chief Proctor, delivered a scholarly exposition on Patel’s life, revisiting historic moments such as the integration of Hyderabad and Junagadh into the Indian Union. He highlighted the unique leadership bond between Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, celebrating their shared dream of a unified and self-reliant India. Prof. Mir urged students to look beyond academic success and become agents of ethical governance and societal well-being.

A student speech competition, featuring 11 participants from various departments, who eloquently articulated Patel’s role in uniting over 560 princely states, his commitment to national integration, and his vision for a robust civil service. Wani Tamana won the first prize with a cash award of Rs 2000, Ahmad Mujtaba secured second with Rs 1500, and Shivam Kumar bagged third place with Rs 1000. All participants received certificates of appreciation for their effort and engagement. The jury comprised—Dr. Ishrat Bashir, Dr. Rehana Shawl, and Dr. Mudasir Ahmad Bhat.

Proposing the vote of thanks, Prof. Irfan Aalam, Dean Students Welfare, described the seminar as a model for future partnerships between academic institutions and public service agencies.

The event was coordinated by Dr. Mangalsingh S. Bisen (Co-coordinator) and Dr. Firdous Ahmad Sofal (Moderator).