Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel birth anniversary: Tributes pour in for Iron Man who unified Ek Bharat

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man as the architect of Ek Bharat, understood the ground realities and took up the mammoth task of unifying more than 560 princely states and several colonial powers. He is considered one of the most important faces of India’s freedom movement.

National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is celebrated on October 31 since 2014. The day is observed with patriotic events to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – the man who played an important role in the unification of India.

Popularly known as the “Iron Man of India”, Patel fought against the British during India’s freedom movement. In Independent India, he became the first Deputy Prime Minister of the country. In the months preceding and following Independence, Patel managed to integrate these regions largely without violence despite facing several hurdles.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary and said that the citizens of India will always remain indebted to him for establishing a work culture based on morality and service to the nation. PM Modi on Sunday said due to Patel's inspiration, the country has become capable of dealing with all kinds of challenges -- external and internal.

Union home minister Amit Shah on the occasion also paid floral tribute at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, on the occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary today and said that his dedication, loyalty, struggle and sacrifice serve as an inspiration to citizens for unity and integrity of the country.

"Sardar Sahib's dedication, loyalty, struggle and sacrifice for the motherland inspires every Indian to dedicate himself for the unity and integrity of the country. On the birth anniversary of such a great craftsman of united India, salutations at his feet and best wishes to all the countrymen on 'National Unity Day'," Shah tweeted.

A barrister from London and a fierce criminal lawyer with a booming practice in Ahmedabad, Vallabhbhai Patel was drawn to politics by the simple, direct yet novel approach of Gandhi. He was an instrumental part of Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement. He travelled extensively around West India in order to recruit 3,00,000 members. He also collected over Rs 1.5 million for the party fund.

This day not only recognises Patel’s monumental contribution and service to the nation but also engages with his legacy. The Prime Minister’s inspiration from Sardar Patel led to several policy formulations and legislations including the abrogation of Article 370, and the Citizenship Amendment Act.
 

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, without a doubt, was one of the most influential figures of India in the 20th century. 'A stalwart of India's freedom struggle', his contributions led to the end of British rule in India on August 15, 1947 with India celebrating 75th Independence Day on August 15, 2021.