Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – The Ironman

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was one of the most charismatic Indian leaders during the Independence struggle. A barrister by profession, Sardar Patel joined the Indian Independence Movement after being inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideologies and philosophies. Also known as the “Iron Man of India” and the “Bismarck of India”, Sardar Patel was known for his stoic character. A man of strong ideologies and principles, Sardar Patel was instrumental in giving India its united, integrated face after Independence. Sardar Patel was the first Deputy Prime Minister of India and he is held in high regard by India’s civil servants for establishing the modern all India services.

Here are a few points to help you understand this great personality better:

Early life and childhood

Sardar Patel was born in a small village in Karamsad in Gujarat. He had three brothers and a sister. One of his brothers Vithalbhai Patel was also a known political leader. As a child, Sardar Patel helped his father in his fields and observed a fast every two days in a week. He was an average student in school and his peers thought him to be unambitious. He was married at the age of 18 to a girl named Jhaverba from a nearby village.

Education

Sardar Patel travelled to schools in different parts of Gujarat to gain education. His aim was to study law, collect funds and gain education in England to become a barrister. He completed his matriculation at the age of 22, spent years studying law and finally got a call from the bar. He earned respect and repute as a successful lawyer. Many years later, he completed his higher studies in England and became a barrister.

Role in the Independence Movement

On returning to India, Sardar Patel settled in Ahmedabad. He became one of the most successful lawyers of the city. He wasn’t very enthusiastic about Mahatma Gandhi’s ideologies initially, but later on during the Champaran protests, Sardar Patel got inspired by Gandhiji and decided to join him in the freedom struggle for the country. He gave a speech in 1917 in Borsad urging all Indians to sign Gandhiji’s petition for Swaraj. Later, he became the secretary of the Gujarat Sabha on Gandhi Ji’s request.

Exemplary Roles

Sardar Patel played many roles during the Indian Independence Struggle. He led the Satyagraha in Gujarat in support of non-payment of taxes. He also supported Gandhi Ji’s Non-Cooperation Movement and gave up his English clothes and adopted khadi. He served as the president of the Congress party in 1931 and used his position in returning confiscated farm lands to its owners in Gujarat. He also spent a considerable time in jail with Mahatma Gandhi where the two shared ideas and developed a close bond.

However, Sardar Patel is held in high regard for the role he played in integrating princely states into the Indian federation and creating the country we have today. He was entrusted with the job of convincing the princely states to unite with the Indian mainland post Independence, which he successfully did. For his contribution to the country’s freedom struggle and shaping the country, Sardar Patel is held in the highest regard by all Indians. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna award in 1991, many years after his death.

He is an inspiration to all those seeking a career in law or a career in politics. Given the situation today, our country needs more and more visionary leaders like him.