149th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Syllabus: GS 1/History

Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered a floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 149th birth anniversary and participated in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat.

Since 2014, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, also known as National Unity Day, has been celebrated every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.
It serves as a reminder of his efforts to unite the diverse princely states into a single nation and fosters a spirit of solidarity among the people of the country.

Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, he was a barrister, an activist, a freedom fighter, and one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India.
In the initial years, he was indifferent to Indian politics. But, later, he started getting influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, and by 1917 he embraced Gandhi’s principle of Satyagraha (Non-violence).
From 1917 to 1924 Patel served as the first Indian municipal commissioner of Ahmedabad and was its elected municipal president from 1924 to 1928.

Kheda Satyagraha, 1917: As a prominent local leader in the Kheda district of Gujarat, Patel supported Mahatma Gandhi in organising the Satyagraha against unjust land revenue taxes imposed by the British.
Non-Cooperation Movement, 1920-22: Patel significantly impacted the Non-Cooperation Movement, recruiting approximately 300,000 members and raising 1.5 million rupees.
- He advocated the boycott of British goods and use of Khadi as a symbol of economic and cultural self-sufficiency.
Bardoli Satyagraha, 1928: During the Bardoli Satyagraha, Patel supported the local population suffering from famine and increased land taxes.
Civil Disobedience Movement 1930-34: He actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha, a nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly.
Quit India Movement, 1942: He organised protests and strikes against British rule, and delivered compelling and electrifying speeches throughout India, inspiring and mobilising people to join mass protests, engage in acts of civil disobedience, boycott tax payments, and stage civil service shutdowns.

Political Integration of India: He played a pivotal role during the political integration of India and the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947.
Integration of Princely States: He had successfully accomplished the task of integrating 565 Princely States into the Union of India within a remarkably short span of time- a feat unprecedented in history.
Administrative Reforms: Another illustrious contribution made by Sardar Patel was the creation of All India Services. He had envisioned these services as the ‘Steel frame of India’ that would further safeguard the country’s unity and integrity.
Promotion of National Integration: He promoted the ‘Idea of India’ as a single nation, and emphasized that despite its diversity, the country must stand united.

Constitutional Role: He headed various Constitutional Committees, such as Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Committee on Minorities and Tribal and Excluded Areas, Provincial Constitution Committee.
He also served as the first Deputy Prime Minister, as well as the first Home Minister of independent India.

Iron Man of India: He earned the reputation of ‘Iron Man’ because of the manner in which he brought about and maintained internal stability as Home Minister in the wake of the partition of the country.
Bharat Ratna: He was posthumously honoured with the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the country in 1991.
The Statue of Unity: It is the tallest statue in the world which was unveiled on October 31, 2018 in Kevadia, Gujarat on the occasion of his 143rd birth anniversary.

Sardar Patel’s legacy goes beyond politics; he epitomized unity, resilience, and commitment to the nation’s welfare.
His life remains a testament to the power of leadership, dedication, and an unwavering love for his country, helping to shape India into a more stronger, unified nation.

Source: PIB

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