Biography of sardar vallabhbhai patel

SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL

Reflecting on the life of Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, I find myself deeply inspired by his journey. Born into a modest family in Nadiad, Gujarat, his early years were far from the limelight of leadership. The accepted date of his birth is October 31, 1875, though there are no official records—just his own word on a form he once filled out.

I believe that Patel's humble beginnings shaped his character profoundly. His family belonged to the Lewa Patidar community, known for their agrarian roots and modest means. Education wasn't a family tradition, yet young Vallabhbhai displayed remarkable leadership qualities. As a schoolboy, he organized a successful three-day strike against a teacher’s harsh methods—a precursor to his future as a leader, I’d say.

Vallabhbhai likely inherited these leadership traits from his father, who bravely fought in the Mutiny under the Rani of Jhansi. Despite financial constraints, Vallabhbhai matriculated in 1897 at the age of twenty-two. Law became his next pursuit, leading him to establish a practice in Godhra, which he later had to leave due to a bout of plague.

His legal career took off in Borsad, where he gained recognition as a defense lawyer. Though he aspired to study in England, circumstances dictated otherwise, and he supported his brother Vithalbhai's education instead. The loss of his wife, Zaverbai, in 1909 was a personal blow, yet Vallabhbhai's composure never wavered, even while cross-examining a witness when he received the news.

In 1910, Vallabhbhai finally sailed to England, joining the Middle Temple. He worked diligently, topping in Roman Law and being called to the Bar in just two years. Returning to India in 1913, he set up a thriving practice in Ahmedabad. His wit, common sense, and empathy for those oppressed by British rule earned him a respected place in public life.

Gandhi's leadership deeply influenced Vallabhbhai. I think it was Gandhi's fearless approach to righting wrongs that truly resonated with him. By 1917, he was already making waves as the Sanitation Commissioner of Ahmedabad. His tenure from 1924 to 1928 as Chairman of the Municipal Committee transformed the municipality into a body with its own will, not merely an adjunct to British rule.

During calamities like the 1917 plague and 1918 famine, Vallabhbhai’s efforts to alleviate distress were commendable. The Kheda Satyagraha in 1918, aimed at securing relief from land revenue assessments after crop failures, showcased his dedication. Gandhi himself acknowledged that without Vallabhbhai’s support, the campaign might not have succeeded.

The Bardoli Satyagraha further cemented Vallabhbhai's reputation. When the government increased land revenue assessments unjustly, he led the farmers in withholding payments. Despite arrests and police brutality, the struggle ended in triumph, earning him the title "Sardar" from a grateful nation.

As the political climate intensified, Vallabhbhai stood firm beside Gandhi. Arrested before the Salt March, he faced imprisonment repeatedly. Presiding over the 46th session of the Indian National Congress in 1931, he navigated the challenging Gandhi-Irwin Pact amidst dissent. Civil disobedience gave way to negotiations, and eventually, participation in the Round Table Conference.

Post-independence, Sardar Patel’s role as Deputy Prime Minister was monumental. Handling Home Affairs, States Integration, and Information and Broadcasting, he tackled the intricate issue of integrating princely states into the Union of India. His tact and persuasion reduced 562 states to 26 administrative units, democratizing regions comprising 27% of the population.

As Minister of Home Affairs, he restored order amid communal strife and rehabilitated thousands of refugees post-partition. Reorganizing services and forming the Indian Administrative Service provided stability to the nascent democracy. His organizational prowess within the Congress Party ensured effective execution of Gandhi’s broad-based action programs.

Reflecting on his death on December 15, 1950, I am reminded of his lasting legacy. Leaving behind a son, Dahyabhai Patel, and a daughter, Maniben Patel, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel remains one of the chief architects of India's freedom and consolidation, remembered for his unwavering commitment to justice and unity.