SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL

SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL

Vallabhbhai Patel, who is called Indian Bismerk, was the architect of modern India. After India got freedom, he became the Deputy Prime Minister of the country. This man of iron will was born on October 31, 1875 at village Karamsad in Kaira district, Gujarat. His father, Javar Bhai was a great soldier, at school he had a brilliant career as a student. He was famous for his fearlessness and boldness. In 1910, he went to England to study bar. He returned home ad started his practice in Ahmedabad district court.

His fame and brilliance spread far and wide. He became an eminent lawyer of his time. He was elected as one of the city Municipal Commissioners in 1915. he met Gandhiji at this time. He was very much inspired by Ghandiji’s ideas and gave his full co-operation t him during freedom struggle. After 1919, Rowlatt Act Agitation Patel becomes a leader of national fame. He led many such agitations which added to his reputation as a true nationalist. He was sent to prison many times but he didn’t move from his determination. He was known as the Iron Man of India all over the country.

Sardar Patel was a wonderful organizer. He played a key role in the integration of India’s princely states with the Union. He was a born patriot who made nearly all the movements a success. Working closely with Mahatma Gandhi he had firm belief in Ghandhian technique of non-violence. He tried this technique in Khera district for the first time. Here peasants were compelled to pay the revenue even though the crops failed. This pained the heart of Patel. He took up the cause of peasants and got wonderful success in getting the revenue remitted. He hated the British rule and struggled bravely against it. He was appointed the President of Indian National Congress too.

Sardar Patel had a tremendous quality of leadership. He got remarkable success during Bardoli Satyagraha. The epic struggle of Bardoli which constitutes one of the most glorious chapters in the history of India’s struggle for freedom. Bardoli, infact was a unique personal triumph for Vallabhbhai. It was in acknowledgment of the efficiency with which he conducted the movement that he was acclaimed as the ‘Sardar’ the leader a title by which he came to be known to the nation ever since.

Sardar Patel had a high minded statesmanship. In 1948 for his valuable services in respect of uniting 23 Princely States of Central India, he was awarded the ‘Doctor of Laws’ degree by the Nagpur, Banaras and Allahabad Universities.

He acted as the Acting Prime Minister of India between October 7 to November 15 during the visit of the Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru to USA, Canada and Britain. In 1950, he attended the Congress Session held at Nasik. He died on December 15 in the same year at Bombay after a short Illness.

In 1991 he was conferred on the ‘Bharat Ratna’ award posthumously for his valuable services to the country. He was, indeed, a great freedom fighter. He was well known for his skill, wisdom, tact and foresight.