Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – Architect of United India

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – The Iron Man of India

Introduction

• Patel birth anniversary on 31st October is celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day)

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel birth anniversary is celebrated annually as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day. Sardar Patel was born on 31st October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat and had a pioneering role in India’s freedom struggle. He was a senior leader in the Indian National Congress and later became India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.

He is remembered for his instrumental efforts in integrating over 500 princely states into the Union of India after independence, earning him the sobriquet ‘Iron Man of India’. His birth anniversary is commemorated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to celebrate his commitment to bringing together a unified India.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Overview

Early Life and Education

• Born on 31st October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat
• Educated at Nadiad High School and Middle Temple, London
• Started career as a barrister

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on 31st October 1875 in Nadiad village in Gujarat. He hailed from a farmer’s family and was educated at the local school in Nadiad. He later studied law and became a barrister after completing his studies at Middle Temple Inn in London. Patel had to work hard and borrow books from other lawyers to educate himself in England.

After returning to India, he started his career as a barrister in Ahmedabad, Gujarat and gained a reputation as a skilled lawyer. His early struggles and determination shaped his character as a self-made man. Though he took longer than usual to clear his matriculation, he did not let that deter him from pursuing higher education in law. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel earned the title of ‘Sardar’ from Mahatma Gandhi for his exemplary leadership during the Bardoli Satyagraha in 1928.

Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

• Elected as Ahmedabad’s Sanitation Commissioner in 1917
• Joined India’s independence movement after meeting Gandhi in 1917
• Led Kheda Satyagraha, Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement
• Jailed several times by British during freedom struggle
• Elected Congress President in 1931 at Karachi session

Sardar Patel’s role in India’s struggle for independence was pivotal. In 1917, he was elected as the Sanitation Commissioner of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. This marked the beginning of his political career.

The same year, Patel met Mahatma Gandhi and was deeply influenced by his ideals. He fully embraced Gandhi’s principle of satyagraha and non-violence. In 1920, he actively participated in Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement against the British and helped recruit over 300,000 members and raise over 1.5 million rupees for the Congress party fund.

One of Patel’s notable contributions was leading the Kheda Satyagraha in Gujarat in 1918. He provided strong leadership and direction to the peasants protesting against high taxes levied by the British.

Later in 1928, Patel spearheaded the Bardoli Satyagraha, mobilizing the farmers of Bardoli to withhold payment of taxes. His inspiring leadership led the revolt to success against the British colonial administration.

Patel was jailed several times by the British for his activism and participation in civil disobedience movements. He was imprisoned during the Salt Satyagraha in 1930 and served a jail sentence from 1940-45 during the Quit India Movement.

In 1931, Patel was elected President of the Indian National Congress at its Karachi session. During his tenure, the Congress ratified the Gandhi-Irwin Pact and committed itself to fundamental rights and civil liberties.

Unification of Princely States

• Played pivotal role in integration of 565 princely states into Indian Union
• Was instrumental in accession of states like Junagadh, Hyderabad and Kashmir
• Earned title of ‘Iron Man of India’ for this contribution

After India’s independence in 1947, Sardar Patel played a historic role in integrating and merging over 500 princely states into the newly-independent nation.

When British rule ended, there were several princely states that were not directly under British control but owed allegiance to the British crown. As India’s first Home Minister, Patel led the task of accession of these states with the Indian republic.

Patel was instrumental in ensuring the accession of uncooperative states like Junagadh, Hyderabad and Kashmir. His patient negotiations, coupled with strategic pressure and military action when needed, resulted in these states acceding to India.

It was due to Patel’s unwavering commitment that a fragmented India became a united independent nation. He guided princely states on the path to join the Indian union through a policy of reconciliation. At the same time, he took firm action when required, annexing states like Junagadh and Hyderabad through military intervention.

Owing to this monumental achievement of stitching together a unified India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel earned the title ‘Iron Man of India’. Through both diplomatic and coercive means, he ensured the integrity and unity of the country. Without his stewardship, the map of independent India could have looked very different.

Constitutional Contributions

• Headed important committees like Fundamental Rights, Minorities, Provincial Constitution
• Ensured national integration and unity in drafting of constitution

In the drafting of India’s constitution, Sardar Patel played a leading role. He headed key committees such as the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities Committee and Provincial Constitution Committee.

Patel’s core focus was on ensuring national integration, unity and consolidation through the constitution. He worked to provide safeguards for minorities while upholding national interest.

Some of Patel’s key principles guiding the constitutional committees included building India as a secular nation, minimum wages for labour, abolishing untouchability and establishing a uniform civil code.

During the deliberations on fundamental rights, Patel advocated for including economic and social rights like the right to work and form trade unions. His recommendations became part of the constitution’s Directive Principles of State Policy.

Therefor we can conclude, Patel steered the committees with the vision of an India that was united in diversity. His commitment to national unity served as a guiding force in framing a constitution that laid the foundations of a modern, democratic India.

As Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister

• Organized relief for refugees after partition
• Established modern All India Services system
• Laid foundation for India’s steel frame – civil services

After independence, Sardar Patel became India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and the first Home Minister. He played a defining role in stabilizing and consolidating the nation in its formative years.

As millions of refugees poured into the country following the partition, Patel organized urgent relief efforts to provide them food, shelter and rehabilitation.

One of Patel’s lasting legacies was establishing the modern All India Services system. He was instrumental in creating the Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service which became the backbone of India’s civil services. Patel described the civil services as the ‘steel frame’ that would provide stability as the country transitioned post-independence.

In matters of national security as Home Minister, Patel took decisive actions. He provided leadership during the time of crisis such as resolving the Kashmir dispute with India through timely military action.

So in our thoughtful analysis, we can say, Patel’s tenure as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister laid the foundations that allowed independent India to take shape as a unified, democratic nation despite facing colossal challenges. He is credited for consolidating the country during a difficult period.

Death and Legacy

• Died in 1950 due to heart attack
• Posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna in 1991
• Statue of Unity built as tribute to Patel
• 31st October celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in his honour

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel passed away on 15th December 1950 at the age of 75 due to a massive heart attack. His death was deeply mourned across the country.

In honor of his seminal contributions to unifying India, he was posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award in 1991.

The Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, was inaugurated in October 2018 as a tribute to Patel. The towering 182-metre statue on the Narmada river in Gujarat commemorates Patel’s vision of a unified India.

To celebrate Patel’s birth anniversary and legacy, 31st October is observed annually as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day. The day aims to spread awareness about Patel’s efforts and commitment to national integration.

Final Thoughts

• Immense contribution to India’s freedom struggle and unification
• Architect of modern civil services in India
• Inspires generations through his unwavering commitment to unity

So we can by our comprehensive analysis conclude that, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contribution to India is unparalleled and immense. He was an anchor of the Indian freedom movement guiding key civil disobedience revolts. Along with Gandhi and Nehru, he shaped India’s nationalist movement.

His most outstanding achievement was uniting a fragmented nation into one integrated whole, thus saving India from Balkanization after the British left. Through his unwavering commitment to national unity, Patel emerged as the architect of modern India’s territorial integrity.

Patel also laid the foundations of India’s sturdy administrative framework through civil services like the IAS and IPS. He continues to be an inspirational figure, whose life was devoted to public service and patriotism. Decades after he is gone, India continues to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his singular role in building a unified, strong nation.