A momentous celebration is about to unfold in Australia’s Indian diaspora community as Melbourne prepares to unveil a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th birth anniversary—followed by a unique cultural evening titled “Smile Sardar And Sairam” featuring comedian-speaker Sairam Dave.
A legacy cast in bronze and shared through laughter
The statue of Sardar Patel will serve not just as a memorial to India’s “Iron Man”—the statesman who helped integrate over 550 princely states into the Union of India—but also as a symbolic bridge between communities in Melbourne and beyond.
Event organiser Tapan Desai of Desai Entertainment explained that his vision is simple yet profound:
“One person can unite communities through sheer will.”
By installing a physical monument and hosting a cultural gathering, Desai hopes to demonstrate that unification—one of Sardar Patel’s life-missions—continues in new forms across the diaspora.
“Smile Sardar And Sairam”: humour, homage and hope
The two-city program will feature Sairam Dave, known for his sharp wit and insightful commentary, who will bring audiences together for an evening of laughter, literature and inspiring stories—rooted in the spirit of Sardar Patel’s life.
- Sydney: Sunday, 2 November 2025 at Bowman Hall, Blacktown — starts at 3:00 pm.
- Melbourne: Monday, 3 November 2025, at The Besen Centre, Burwood (Melbourne Cup long weekend) — from 7:00 pm.
Attendees will enjoy music, comedy, reflections on leadership and service, and a collective vow to carry forward Patel’s example of unity, duty and community.
A legacy of unity — relevant in Australia
Sardar Patel’s story resonates far beyond India’s borders. Known for bringing together a fractured post-independence India, his motto—unity through service, and strength through inclusion—speaks directly to Australia’s multicultural society.
Desai noted that Melbourne’s Indian community, particularly Gujarati-Australians, have long found in Patel a figure of pride and inspiration. This statue inauguration and celebration are viewed as part of that ongoing journey.
Event details at a glance
- What: “Smile Sardar And Sairam” — celebration of Sardar Patel’s legacy
- Where: Bowman Hall, Blacktown (Sydney) on 2 Nov & Besen Centre, Burwood (Melbourne) on 3 Nov
- Time: Sunday 3 PM (Sydney) / Monday 7 PM (Melbourne)
- Hosted by: Desai Entertainment
- Tickets: Available via premiertickets.co
- Web: desaientertainment.au
A personal note from a journalist’s notebook
From my many interactions with members of Melbourne’s Indian-Australian community, the admiration for Sardar Patel remains strong. He is seen not only as a historical figure, but as a beacon of leadership, integration and inclusive vision.
As a journalist covering multicultural stories for The Australia Today, I’ve witnessed how many multicultural women and younger first-generation Australians hold his values close—of service before self, of bridging divides, of standing firm for the common good.
Sardar Patel’s legacy will be etched in stone, his story retold with laughter and hope—and his lessons carried into our everyday Australian mosaic.
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