One of the most respected and celebrated leaders of India’s freedom struggle, elaborating upon his unsurpassable contribution to the course of Indian history.
A portrait of Sardar Patel on his 74th birthday, 1949 ; Image source: Govrnment of India
Early Life
The struggle for India’s independence against the colonial rule gave birth to a whole batch of iconic leaders who led the country to independence and gave the concept of the world’s biggest democracy. We look up to them and celebrate their hard work and ideologies to build a stronger India. Every generation of our country studies them and every school tries to inculcate their values for the wholistic and ideological development of children. Their path and contribution to the country’s growth has made them eternal icons and etched a permanent name in the foundation of the country.
So, it behoves us to celebrate their legacy and spread awareness about their legendary work in every generation.
Life events and contribution to society
Legacy and Work
One of the most important founding fathers of our country is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Born on 31st October, 1875 in the city of Nadiad, he became the first Home Minister of an Independent India. He encouraged the masses of the country to strive for Ek Bharat and create Shresth Bharat. Today, his ideology can be observed through the work of the government towards developing an Atmanirbhar Bharat which strives for Self-Reliance. He worked towards integrating the masses for certain iconic movements like Kheda Satyagrah and Bardoli Satyagrah.
His exceptional service for the independence and the rights of the common population led him to the honour of the title “Sardar” conferred by the women population of Bardoli.
Major Events
Struggle for India’s Independence and Unity
His intention for an integrated India is boldly displayed through his work towards integrating the Princely states of India which gave us many new states and heritage cities to be proud of. His consistent and unwavering determination towards unifying India was noticed by everyone and this led to him being known as the “Iron Man of India”. His strong will and determination to integrate India into a bigger and stronger democracy is celebrated even today on 31st October, every year as “National Unity Day”.
Life lessons
His strong will and determination to integrate India into a bigger and stronger democracy is celebrated even today on 31st October, every year as “National Unity Day”.
Memory and Legacy
To remember and celebrate him in a more elaborate way, a 182 metres tall statue was established as the “Statue of Unity”. It is the tallest statue in the world and signifies the stellar and exemplary work done by one of the most icon leaders of India towards unifying the largest democracy of the world.
Contribution to Civil Services
Another exceptional contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is displayed through his magnificent work towards establishing the modern Civil Service of India. He took up the role of setting up the more modern and Indian version of the Civil Services which forms the backbone of the Executive of the country. According to his ideology the services is the “Steel Frame of India”. His intention was to give India a more unified executive branch which will bring more development every strata of the society.
In fact, the country celebrates 21st April as Civil Services Day to celebrate the day when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel addressed the batch of probationary officers of the administrative services in Delhi. The aura of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and his exemplary contribution to the development and establishment of a democratic India has made him one of the most iconic and exceptional leaders of the country.
