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Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is a revered name in Indian politics. A lawyer and a political activist, he played a leading role during the Indian Independence Movement. After independence, he was crucial in the integration of over 500 princely states into the Indian Union. He was deeply influenced by Gandhi’s ideology and principles, having worked very closely with leader. Despite being the choice of the people, on the request of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel stepped down from the candidacy of Congress President, which ultimately turned out to be the election to choose the first Prime Minister of independent India. He was the first Home Minister of Independent India and his uncompromising efforts towards consolidation of the country earned him the title ‘Iron Man of India’. 
 One of the most influential personalities to have fought for Independence, Sardar Patel was born in Nadiad, Gujarat, on October 31, 1875. Hailing from a farmer's family, Patel lived a simple life and was known for his wisdom and diplomatic skills. Although his official birthday is still unknown, Patel wrote his date of birth to be October 31 on his matriculation examination paper, hence, the day is celebrated as his birth anniversary and is also observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day.

The tallest statue on earth is of :-

 


Here is a short introduction about Sardar Patel….
1.   Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950), popularly known as Sardar Patel, was the first Deputy Prime Minister of India. He was an Indian barrister and statesman, a leader of Indian National Congress and a founding father of Republic of India who played a puvotal role in the struggle of Indian independence.

2. He acted as de facto Supreme Commander-in-chief of Indian army during Political integration of India and Indo-Pakistani War.


3. He is popularly known by two names, the ‘Iron Man of India’ and ‘Bismarck of India.

4. For his leadership activities and the ability to lead thousands of people, he was given the forename ‘Sardar’.


5.  He was instrumental in the founding the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service and is therefore known as the ‘Patron Saint’ of India's services.

6. So now coming to the question Sardar Patel only lived for around 3 years post-independence and in that shorter period he was instrumental in making India UNITED and a SOVEREIGN nation.
7.  The biggest contribution of Sardar Patel came around the time of partition, the regrettable communal violence, deep-seated mistrust, and bloody period of ideological conflict. He took over as the Home Minister of nascent nation at a very important juncture in history and devoted himself wholeheartedly to make sure that the nation which was already partitioned remained united and intact in which Nehru failed miserably.

8. India was categorized into hundreds of various different kingdoms, separated by conflicting ideas and interests before independence. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel acted with determination, vision and statesmanship and quietly cleared out the various labyrinths. He appeared statesmanship of remarkably order. He convinced 100 regional kings to join their kingdoms with the Independent Union of India. He enabled Nehru to become the builder of India modern democratic.


9. Due to request of Gandhi ji, Sardar stepped down so that Jawaharlal Nehru could become the PM of India.

10.                  In his three terms as Ahmedabad's municipal president in British India, he transformed the city completely. He extended electricity, drainage and sanitation facility to all parts of the city and conducted major educational reforms. He even fought for the recognition and payment of teachers. Had he been the prime minister of India there would have been no scope for movie “TOILET- EK PREM KATHA”.


11.                     Patel was the chairman of the committees responsible for minorities, tribal and excluded areas, fundamental rights, and provincial constitutions. He worked closely with Muslim leaders to end separate electorates and the more potent demand for reservation of seats for minorities. Had he been the prime minister there would have been no need for “UNIFORM CIVIL CODE”.

12.                   When the Pakistani invasion of Kashmir began in September 1947, Patel immediately wanted to send troops into Kashmir. But, agreeing with Nehru and Mountbatten, he waited until Kashmir's monarch had acceded to India. Patel then oversaw India's military operations to secure Srinagar and the Baramulla Pass, and the forces retrieved much territory from the invaders. Patel, along with Defence Minister Baldev Singh, administered the entire military effort, arranging for troops from different parts of India to be rushed to Kashmir and for a major military road connecting Srinagar to Pathankot to be built in six months. Had he been the prime minister Pakistan would have been fighting for Karachi instead.


13.                   Patel opposed the release of Rs. 550 million to Pakistan, convinced that the money would go to finance the war against India in Kashmir. The Cabinet had approved his point but it was reversed when Gandhi, who feared an intensifying rivalry and further communal violence, went on a fast-unto-death to obtain the release. Had he been the prime minister Pakistan would had never enjoyed the status of “MOST FAVORED NATION”.

14.                   In 1949 a crisis arose when the number of Hindu refugees entering West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura from East Pakistan climbed to over 800,000. Patel strongly criticised Nehru's plan to sign a pact that would create minority commissions in both countries and pledge both India and Pakistan to a commitment to protect each other's minorities. Had he been the prime minister our leaders would not have been debating in prime time news on issues of “KASHMIRI PANDITS and ROHINGYA MUSLIMS”.


15.                    When Nehru pressured Dr. Rajendra Prasad to decline a nomination to become the first President of India in 1950 in favour of Rajagopalachari, he angered the party, which felt Nehru was attempting to impose his will. Nehru sought Patel's help in winning the party over, but Patel declined, and Prasad was duly elected. Had he been the prime minister even congress would have got many potential leaders other than “GANDHI PARIVAR”.

On his 66th death anniversary, let us have a look at 10 interesting facts about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:

1. Sardar Patel was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress (INC). After Independence, he became India's first Deputy Prime Minister.

2. On the first anniversary of Independence, Patel was appointed as the Home Minister of India.

3. Patel practiced law at Godhra, Borsad and Anand in Gujarat, after passing the bar examination; he borrowed books from senior lawyers.

4. At 36, Patel travelled to England and enrolled in the Middle Temple Inn, a school for barristers. He finished a 36-month course within just 30 months and topped the final examination despite having no previous college experience.

5. In the initial stages of the freedom movement, Patel was not interested in politics or the principles of Mahatma Gandhi. However, after meeting Gandhi in Godhra, Patel joined the Congress and became the secretary of the Gujarat Sabha that became a Congress stronghold later.


6. On Gandhi's call, Patel quit his job and joined the movement to fight for exemption of taxes in Kheda at the time of plague and famine.

7. Patel joined Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement and travelled around West India to recruit 3,00,000 members. He also collected more than Rs 1.5 million for the party fund.

8. He worked extensively against alcohol consumption, untouchability, caste discrimination and for women emancipation in Gujarat and outside.

9. When Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned, Patel was asked to lead the Satyagraha movement in Nagpur in 1923 against the British law of banning the hoisting of the Indian Flag.

10. As India's first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Patel played a key role in the integration of the princely states.

Lets look at some memorable pics of our “SARDAAR”

See what Sardar Patel was doing after independence

And as a result, Nizam surrenders himself to Sardar Patel……….


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