Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Iron Man of India
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's full name is Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel. He was known by many names such as “Sardar Patel”, “Iron Man of India”, “Unifier of India”. Sardar Patel played many roles as an Indian independence activist and statesman who contributed as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India from 1947 to 1950. He also served the Indian National Congress Party as a senior leader.
He was born in Nadiad, Gujarat, on October 31, 1875. His birth anniversary is now observed as National Unity Day, also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. He was raised in the countryside in Gujarat.
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Early Life & Career Journey
Sardar Patel’s childhood was spent away from books. Patel completed his Middle School at Karamsad. He passed out matriculation at the age of twenty-two from the High School at Nadiad. Many people in his early years thought Sardar Patel was a modest man who would make a good employee. Patel, however, disproved them. He frequently used borrowed books to study for the law exam, which he passed. After taking the bar exam, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel practiced law in Gujarat's Godhra, Borsad, and Anand. He gained a reputation as a tough and accomplished attorney.
Political Life
He accepted Mahatma Gandhi's leadership, having been tremendously impressed by the fearless lead that Mahatma Gandhi gave to right public wrongs. In 1917, he was elected for the first time as the Sanitation Commissioner of Ahmedabad.
From 1924 to 1928, he was Chairman of the Municipal Committee. The years of his association with the Municipal administration were marked by much meaningful work for the improvement of civic life. Work was done to improve water supply, sanitation, and town planning, and the Municipality was transformed from being a mere adjunct to the British rule into a popular body with a will of its own. About this time, the political situation in the country was approaching a crisis. He also played a role in the Indian National Movement and Satyagrahas, such as the Khilafat movement or the Caliphate movement, Kheda Satyagraha, and Bardoli Satyagraha.
Contributions to India
He was appointed Deputy Prime Minister upon India's independence, with responsibility for the Home, States, and Information and Broadcasting portfolios. He was asked to address the most complex and perplexing issue—the States' incorporation into the Union of India—in this role. And it was in this situation that his statesmanship, persuasion, and tact shone. With remarkable bravery and foresight, he resolved the partition issues, brought peace and order back, and handled the rehabilitation of thousands of refugees. In order to provide our new democracy a solid administrative foundation, he reorganized our Services, which had been exhausted by the British withdrawal, and established a new Indian Administrative Service. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel died in 1950 at Birla House, Mumbai.
Achievements
Vallabhbhai Patel achieved many titles, such as "Sardar", “Iron Man of India”, and “Bharat Ratna Sardar Patel”. The title “Sardar” meaning chief in Hindi, was given to him by Mahatma Gandhi. He was called the “Iron Man of India” for his unwavering attempts to integrate the princely states into the Indian federation. Because of his contribution to the United India, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1991 by Sri. P. V. Narasimha Rao, 41 years after his death.
2. "Faith is of no evil in the absence of strength. Faith and strength are both essential for accomplishing great work."
3. "Take to the path of dharma—the path of truth and justice. Don’t misuse your valor. Remain united."
4. "The stiffer the opponent, the more our affection should go out to him. That is the test of our non-violence."
5. "No one would die of starvation in independent India. Its grains would not be exported for profit but used to feed the poor."
6. "Ours is a democratic country. All must work in unity to uplift the nation, leaving behind personal differences."
7. "Freedom is something that needs to be constantly protected through courage, unity, and discipline."
8. "A nation's greatness lies in its ability to maintain peace while preparing for the worst."
9. "Discipline and united action are the real sources of strength for the nation."
10. "Freedom is not a reward or gift, but an outcome of continuous struggle."
11. "It is in the fitness of things that the strong should be just and the weak should be brave."
12."Work is undoubtedly worship but laughter is life. Anyone who takes life too seriously must prepare himself for a miserable existence."
13. "Your goodness is bound to face opposition. But the fire of truth will always burn bright."
14. "A united nation is always respected and its citizens live with dignity."
15. ''Every citizen of India must remember that he is an Indian and he has every right in this country, but with certain duties."
16. "Today we must remove distinctions of high and low, rich and poor, caste or creed."
17. "Non-violence has to be observed in thought, word, and deed. The measure of our non-violence will be a measure of our success."
18. "There is something unique in this soil, which despite many obstacles has always remained the abode of great souls."
19. "Ours is a non-violent war, it is Dharma Yuddha."
20. " In a domestic Government unity and co-operation are essential requisites."
21. "By common endeavor we can raise the country to a new greatness, while a lack of unity will expose us to fresh calamities."
