Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as ‘The Iron Man of India’, played a key role in the Indian freedom movement. He was a lawyer by profession who grew up to become the First Deputy Prime Minister of India. In 2014, the government declared his birthday, October 31, as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day). He died on December 15, 1950.
A truly great social leader, his work was characterised by excellence. He has made his spot in the history of our nation and our hearts for eternity. He played an instrumental role in India’s struggle for independence, is hailed even today for his contributions.
Sardar Patel worked with astonishing speed to dismantle the history of imperialism and create the geography of unity with the spirit of nationalism. He saved India from Balkanisation and integrated even the weakest of limbs into the national framework.
He was born to father Zaverbhai Patel and mother Ladbai Patel in Nadiad, Gujrat. He was married to Jhaverba and had two siblings –Maniben Patel and Dahyabhai Patel.
Sardar Patel was conferred with all the princely states during the period of independence and secured every state to be a part of independent India. Sardar Patel was a strong revolutionary, due to which, all the princes were drawn towards him for consolidation.
Remembering Sardar Vallabhbhai on his 70th death anniversary:
- Sardar Patel was born in Gujarat. Vallabhbhai Patel studied law from the Middle Temple Inn in London and practiced it in India. He became one of the most successful lawyers in the country.
- Vallabhbhai Patel was married to Jhaverba and the couple had two children, daughter Maniben and son Dahyabhai. However, his wife died of cancer when their children were just 5 and 3 and Sardar Patel raised them with his family’s support.
- Iron Man of India joined the struggle for Indian Independence after he met Mahatama Gandhi in 1917. He encouraged Indians nationwide to sign a petition demanding Swaraj from Britain.
- Also, he organised relief efforts in the wake of plague and famine in Kheda, Gujarat, and after that, he left his ambition as a lawyer and devoted himself completely to the struggle for freedom. It is pertinent to mention that, Sardar was the force behind the ‘Gujarat Satyagraha’.
- Sardar Patel became the President of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee in 1920. He also worked against alcoholism, untouchability, caste discrimination, and the empowerment of women in the state.
- Sardar Patel also supported the Non-Cooperation Movement by Mahatama Gandhi and switched to wearing only khadi clothes.
- Vallabhbhai Patel was given the task of the political integration of India and is responsible to unite 562 princely states in the country. This earned him the title of Iron Man of India.
- Sardar Patel passed away on December 15, 1950, at Birla House in Bombay following a massive heart attack. He was also awarded the Bharat Ratna.
