Lesser known facts on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, often referred to as the "Iron Man of India," is a significant figure in India's history. Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, his life is a remarkable journey of determination and leadership. Patel's legacy is marked by his crucial role in uniting India's princely states after gaining independence.

In this blog, we'll explore some lesser-known aspects of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's extraordinary contributions to the nation.

Lesser Known Facts on Sardar Patel

1. Uncertain Birthdate: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's actual date of birth remains a mystery. During his matriculation exam, he was asked for his date of birth, and he spontaneously stated October 31st, 1875. This date has since been recognized as his birthdate.

2. Instrumental in Non-Cooperation Movement: Patel played a crucial role in Mahatma Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement. He tirelessly traveled across western India to recruit around 300,000 members and collected over Rs 1.5 million for the party fund.

3. Leader of Nagpur Satyagraha: During Mahatma Gandhi's imprisonment, Patel led the Satyagraha movement in Nagpur in 1923. This movement protested the British law that banned the hoisting of the Indian flag.

4. First Posthumous Bharat Ratna Recipient: In 1991, Sardar Patel was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor. He became the first recipient to receive this award after his death, recognizing his immense contributions.

5. "Bismarck of India": Just as Otto von Bismarck united Germany in the 1860s, Patel played a vital role in unifying India. He is often referred to as the "Bismarck of India" for his success in uniting 565 semi-independent princely states with the Indian Union, including those like Hyderabad, Junagarh, and Kashmir that initially refused to join.

6. Unplanned Transition to Politics: Sardar Patel initially aspired to be a barrister. He returned from England in 1913, gained fame as a criminal lawyer, and accumulated wealth. It was an unexpected meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 that led him to shift from law to the Indian Independence struggle, ultimately becoming one of India's most prominent statesmen.

7. Founder of the Indian Administrative Services (IAS): Sardar Patel not only played a significant role in India's independence but also in establishing the Indian Administrative Services (IAS). He is remembered as the 'Patron Saint of India’s Civil Servants' for his role in shaping the country's administrative framework.

8. Could Have Been India's First Prime Minister: During the 1946 Congress election, 13 out of 16 states selected Patel as their president. However, he stepped down at Mahatma Gandhi's request in favor of Jawaharlal Nehru. This decision paved the way for Nehru to become the first Prime Minister of independent India.

9. Origin of the Title "Sardar": The title "Sardar" was first conferred upon Patel by the women of the Bardoli Satyagraha in 1928. In Gujarati and some other Indian languages, "Sardar" means Chief or Leader. The Bardoli Satyagraha was a significant episode of civil disobedience during the Indian Independence Movement.

10. Unifying Princely States: As India's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs, Patel played a pivotal role in convincing over 562 princely states to join the newly independent India. His tireless efforts ensured the territorial integrity of the nation, earning him the title "The Bismarck of India."

Quotes on/ by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

1. "Every Indian should now forget that he is a Rajput, a Sikh or a Jat. He must remember that he is an Indian." - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

2. "Manpower without unity is not a strength unless it is harmonized and united properly, then it becomes a spiritual power." - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

3. "Sardar Patel was practical man. In the matter of right principles, of right policies he was a idealist." - Jawaharlal Nehru

4. "Sardar Patel's life was a living lesson in strength and statesmanship." - Morarji Desai

5. "The man who opposed him (Sardar Patel) found it was like trying to stop a storm by standing in its path." - Maulana Azad

6. "The future of India is to be built on the basic character of her sons. If they are inspired by a noble vision and sincerely bend to their work, all the strength of the British Empire cannot keep them down." - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

7. "We must instill a sense of social, economic, and political justice. And, we must do it at every level." - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Conclusion

In summary, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a remarkable figure in India's history, and we've uncovered some fascinating, lesser-known aspects of his life. From his uncertain birthdate to his essential role in bringing India together, his story is one of determination and commitment. Sardar Patel's life reminds us that great things can be achieved with hard work and unity, and his legacy continues to inspire us all.

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