Akashvani has been organizing the Annual Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Lecture series since 1955 in the memory of India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information & Broadcasting, the architect of national integration, also fondly remembered as the 'Iron man of India'. This lecture series seeks to commemorate his enduring legacy.
The 67th edition of the prestigious Lecture series is being organised on 27th October 2026 at 3:00 PM at Rang Bhawan Auditorium of Akashvani at Sandad Marg, New Delhi. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development will deliver the Lecture. The recording of the Lecture is broadcast on the Jayanti of Sardar Patel (31st October) on the entire Akashvani Network at 9.30 P.M.
The inaugural lecture of the series was delivered by Bharat Ratna Shri C. Rajagopalachari, Independent India’s first Governor General. Since then, a galaxy of eminent leaders, scientists and historians have adored this podium. Some of the prominent names amongst them are, Dr. Zakir Hussain, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, Shri Morarji Desai, Dr. Karan Singh, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Justice (Smt.) Leila Seth, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Shri Arun Jaitley, Shri Ajit Doval, Dr. S. Jaishankar, Gen Bipin Rawat, Dr. S. Somanath. Last year, the 66th edition of the lecture was delivered by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister of Labour and Employment.
This annual event has served as a repository of thoughts, ideas and views on a variety of subjects and a tool to understand the unfathomable expanse and depth of many aspects of our diverse culture and developmental issues in a better way. Over the years, the lectures have become a repository of valuable knowledge for those seeking to understand India. Eminent persons from various fields have, with their intellectual contribution, helped make the series an unparalleled legacy.
Entry to the event is open to all and on first come first serve basis subject to availability of seats in the auditorium.
Watch the previous editions of the prestigious Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture series, featuring eminent leaders and distinguished personalities, on the official YouTube archive of Prasar Bharati.
Watch the lectures: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqtVCj5iilH4WmBlnHhj3XiR_v0E7elJh&si=TxICk_ChZVu5V5Rj