Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, popularly known as Sardar and the ‘Iron Man of India‘, had many feathers on his cap. His role in uniting India is unmatched, and no wonder he is called India’s Bismarck (Bismarck was a German statesman who was instrumental in uniting Germany.)
India commemorates Patel’s birth anniversary, October 31, as the Rashtriya Ekta Divas or National Unity Day, acknowledging his unrivaled contribution towards the country’s unification.
As the nation gears up to pay tribute to this legendary statesman, let’s know a few lesser-known facts about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Original birthday unrecorded
Born in Gujrat, Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel‘s original birth date was not officially recorded at the time of his birth. Do you know that the date we celebrate as his birth anniversary was registered later as October 31, 1875, following his matriculation examination papers?
Passion over fashion
The legendary man had spent a significant part of his life abroad while pursuing higher studies. Perhaps, it was only natural for him to develop a penchant for Western clothing and fashion. Patel was known for his westernized lifestyle, including his love for Cuban cigars. In October 1917, a meeting with Mahatma Gandhi caused an internal shift in him, and he realized the seriousness of Indian independence. His respect and affection for Mahatma Gandhi won over his fetish for westernized fashion. Patel himself set up bonfires of all English-style apparel, switching wholly to khadi.
The herculean task of uniting
It is inconceivable for any leader today what the Iron Man of India had done. Along with V.P. Menon, he persuaded 565 semi-independent princely states to unite with the Indian Union. He also tactfully handled the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Nawab of Junagarh, who initially refused to join India.
Patron Saint pioneering amendments
The modern Indian Administrative Services (IAS) owe immensely to Sardar Vallabh Bhai, who was instrumental in its creation. It was initially known as the Indian Civil Services Code (ICS), drafted by Britishers serving their vested interests. It earned him the title of ‘Patron Saint’ for molding modern All India Services.
Potential first Prime Minister of independent India
History records that during the 1946 Congress election, 13 out of 16 states selected Patel as their president. His popularity spoke for himself and his rightful claim to preside independent India as its first Prime Minister. However, honoring Gandhi’s request, Sardar stepped down as a candidate, and it opened the path for Jawaharlal Nehru to become the first Prime Minister. Many experts still believe that free India would have been better in many aspects had it been otherwise.
Jinnah led Patel to win a legal battle
It is still a little-known fact about Sardar. On April 28, 1922, a case was registered in the Ahmedabad District Court by the British government against Patel and 18 councilors of the Ahmedabad Municipality. The charges were for ‘misapplication of funds,’ and the British administration claimed Rs. 1,68,600 as recovery from them. An acclaimed lawyer himself, Sardar first defended the case in Ahmedabad district court. Later in 1923, the case was moved to Bombay High Court by the British. This was when Muhammad Ali Jinnah led a team fighting the case for Patel and eighteen other members. Finally, in 1925, Jinnah got a favorable order from the high court, and Sardar and 18 others were acquitted. This case is mentioned in Jaswant Singh’s book Jinnah: Independence Partition and Rizwan Kadri’s book – Sardar Patel – Ek Sigh Purush.
We are sure you must be fascinated to know such trivia about Vallabhbhai. Further, to celebrate Rashtriya Ekta Divas, you may watch the movie Sardar, based on his life, or listen to his speeches on unity. Also, if possible do visit the Statue of Unity, dedicated to him.