Commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallbhbhai Patel, a function was organised on October 31, 2016 by the Post Graduate Students Union of the University. In the fully packed Indira Miri Conference Hall, the function was presided over by Professor Jiten Hazarika, Dean Students' Affairs. Sri Chandan Sarma, Associate Professor, Department of History, made an eloquent speech on the significance of observing the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as the National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas). He dwelt upon the critical role played by Sardar Patel in the emergence of the newly born independent India which marked not only a fulfilment of long cherished national aspiration of millions of Indians but also involved the huge challenges of organising an Independent Nation as vast and diverse as India. Sri Sarma narrated the enormous task of bringing together the many princely states of the country as integral parts of India with his astute statesmanship, vision and wisdom. He also mentioned about the necessity of handling very carefully the problems arising out of massive refugees in the wake of the division of India into West and East Pakistan.
Earlier on Professor Alak K. Buragohain, Vice Chancellor in his inaugural address stated that how Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's pragmatic and perfect statescraft enabled a smooth transition of India from the British Raj to an Independent India. While paying rich tribute to the Iron Man of India Professor Buragohain mentioned about a number of instances of Sardar Patel's brilliant strategies nicely executed by the then Secretary of State Sri V. P. Menon.
Professor Jiten Hazarika, Dean Students' Affairs in his comments as the President of the function stated that the relevance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel shall always be there in our country. He congratulated the organiser of the function which has enriched the knowledge of the younger generation attending the function today in large numbers along with the faculty members, about this great son of India.
The meeting ended with a Vote of Thanks by Sri Manas Pratim Dutta, the General Secretary of the Post Graduate Students Union.