Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel | The Iron Man of India

 

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was one of the greatest leaders in Indian history. He played a vital role in India's struggle for independence and was instrumental in the integration of the country after independence. He was born on October 31, 1875, in the village of Karamsad, in the state of Gujarat, India.

Early Life and Education

Vallabhbhai Patel was born into a family of farmers. His father, Jhaverbhai Patel, was a farmer and village headman, and his mother, Ladbai, was a devout Hindu. Vallabhbhai was the fourth of six children. Despite the family's humble origins, Vallabhbhai was an excellent student and showed great promise from an early age.

He attended school in Karamsad and later went to Petlad, where he completed his matriculation in 1896. He then went to Nadiad for further studies and enrolled in the Gujarat College, where he studied law. Vallabhbhai was an excellent student and won many prizes and scholarships during his college days.

Political Career

After completing his studies, Vallabhbhai Patel returned to his hometown of Karamsad and set up a successful law practice. However, he was not content with his professional life alone and was drawn towards the political movement that was gaining momentum in India at that time.

Vallabhbhai Patel joined the Indian National Congress in 1917 and quickly established himself as a key figure in the party. He participated in various protests and agitations against British rule and was arrested several times.

During the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-22, Vallabhbhai Patel played a prominent role in mobilizing people and leading the protests. He was again arrested in 1922 for his involvement in the movement.

In 1928, Vallabhbhai Patel was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress. He was re-elected to the position in 1931, 1932, and 1933, making him the longest-serving President of the party.

After India gained independence in 1947, Vallabhbhai Patel played a key role in integrating the princely states into the Indian Union. He used his skills as a lawyer and negotiator to persuade the princes to accede to India.

During this period, he was also appointed as India's first Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Home Affairs. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in maintaining law and order in the newly independent India.

Legacy

Vallabhbhai Patel is remembered as one of the greatest leaders in Indian history. He was an excellent administrator and a skilled negotiator, and his efforts were instrumental in the integration of India after independence.

He is often referred to as the "Iron Man of India" due to his unyielding will and determination. His statue, the "Statue of Unity," which stands at 182 meters tall, is the tallest statue in the world and is a tribute to his contributions to the country.

Conclusion

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a towering figure in Indian history. He was a brilliant student, a successful lawyer, and a great leader. His contribution to India's struggle for independence and the integration of the country after independence cannot be overstated.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, passed away on December 15, 1950. He was 75 years old at the time of his death. Patel's health had been deteriorating for some time, and he had been suffering from various ailments. He had undergone surgery for cancer in 1950 but had not fully recovered from the procedure. On the evening of December 15, 1950, Patel suffered a massive heart attack at his residence in Bombay (now Mumbai). Despite the efforts of his doctors, he could not be revived and passed away later that night.

News of Patel's death spread quickly, and millions of Indians were plunged into mourning. His funeral was attended by thousands of people, including political leaders from across the country. The government declared a period of national mourning, and flags were flown at half-mast across the country.

Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who had worked closely with Patel during the struggle for independence, delivered a moving eulogy in which he described Patel as "a great and noble soul."

Patel's death was a significant loss for India, and the country mourned his passing for many days. However, his legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians, and he is remembered as one of the greatest leaders in Indian history.

Picture By Government of India work - http://photodivision.gov.in/waterMarkdetails.asp?id=11604.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22298495