NEWS

December 15 marks the death anniversary of the great “unifier of the nation”, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel

ABOUT

• Born in Nadiad, Gujarat.
• His father had fought in the Mutiny under the Rani of Jhansi and was subsequently taken prisoner by Malhar Rao Holkar.
• Patel subsequently organised peasants from Kheda, Borsad, and Bardoli in Gujarat in non-violent civil disobedience against the British Raj, becoming one of the most influential leaders in Gujarat.

Role in Indian National Movement

• In 1917 – elected as the Secretary of the Gujarat Sabha ( Gujarat wing of the Indian National Congress )
• In 1918 – led a massive “No Tax Campaign” that urged the farmers not to pay taxes after the British insisted on tax after the floods in Kaira.
• Efforts to bring together the farmers of his area brought him the title of ‘Sardar’.
• Actively supported the non-cooperation Movement launched by Gandhi.
• Led the Salt Satyagraha movement across Gujarat when Gandhi was under imprisonment, upon request from the congress members.
• Freed in 1931 following Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
• In the 1942 Quit India Movement, Patel continued his unwavering support to Gandhi when several contemporary leaders criticized the latter’s decision.

Contributions to Post-independence India

• First Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
• Played a very crucial role in post-independence India by successfully integrating around 562 princely states under the Indian Dominion.
• Was successful in integrating all of them barring Jammu and Kashmir, Junagarh and Hyderabad.
• Key force in establishing the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service.
• Dealt with the Pakistan’s efforts to invade Kashmir in September 1947.
• Organized multiple refugee camps in Punjab and Delhi, and later in West Bengal.