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Sardar Vallabhbhai PatelVallabhbhai Patel Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel) (October 31, 1875 – December 15, 1950) was a political and social leader of India, who played a major role in the country's struggle for independence, and guided its political integration to a united, independent nation. In India and across the world, he is known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; Sardar stands for Chief in many languages of India.Raised in the countryside of Gujarat, Vallabhbhai Patel was a self-educated and successful Gujarati lawyer, when he was inspired by the work and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. Patel organized the peasants of Kheda, Borsad, and Bardoli in Gujarat in non-violent civil disobedience against the oppressive policies imposed by the British Raj; in this role, he became one of the most influential leaders in Gujarat. He rose to the leadership of the Indian National Congress and was at the forefront of rebellions and political events, organizing the party for elections in 1934 and 1937, and promoting the Quit India movement. He was imprisoned by the British government on numerous occasions, especially from 1932–34 and from 1942–45. As the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India, Patel organized relief efforts for refugees in Punjab and Delhi, and led efforts to restore peace across the nation. Patel took charge of the task to forge a united India from the 565 semi-autonomous princely states and British-era colonial provinces and possessions. Using frank diplomacy backed with the option (and the use) of military action, Patel's leadership enabled the accession of almost every princely state. He is hailed by historians for his strategic use of military force to bring Junagadh and Hyderabad into the union. His admirers call him the Iron Man of India, and he is also remembered as the "patron saint" of India's civil servants for establishing modern all-India services and for preserving the independence of India's services from the elected government. Patel was one of the earliest proponents of property rights and free enterprise in India. |
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