Sardar Vallabhbhai Jhavarbhai Patel, popularly known as Sardar Patel, was born on 31 October 1875 and grew up in a small town in Gujarat. The place of birth of Patel ji is not known exactly but his place of birth is considered to be Karamsad. Sardar Patel belonged to a very humble family and unlike other families in the village, his family did not have formal education. But Patel ji achieved a lot of success in his life due to his determination and hard work. He used to help his father in plowing the fields and sowing seeds and learned arithmetic tables from his father.
Patel ji was married to Jhaver Bai of Gan village at the age of 18. But unfortunately, his wife died of cancer in January 1909 in Bombay (present-day Mumbai). Patel ji was such a strong person that even after receiving the news of his wife's death, he did not lag behind in performing his duties. He was busy with court proceedings when he received the news of his wife's death. He read the news of his wife's death in a note and put it back in his pocket and continued his cross-examination in the court to complete the case. Only after the court proceedings were completed, Patel ji informed everyone about his wife's death. At that time Sardar Patel was only 33 years old and he decided not to marry again.
Education and early life
Ballabh Bhai Patel ji had received his schooling from Nadiad, Petlad and Borsad. He completed his 10th class education (Matriculation) at the age of 22. Although Patel ji's friends considered him just an ordinary boy, Patel had bigger plans for himself. Patel ji wanted to study in England to become a barrister. He studied to become a lawyer and began saving money to make his dream come true. Sardar Patel became the first Chairman and Founder of Edward Memorial High School (EMHS), Borsad. When Patel ji went to England for further studies at Middle Temple Inn, he was 36 years old. Patel ji completed the 36-month course in just 30 months and topped his class without any previous college background. Patel ji came back to India and settled in Ahmedabad.
Sardar Patel became the Sanitation Commissioner of Ahmedabad in 1917. Patel ji was not interested in politics due to conflicts with the British government on many civil issues.
Sardar Patel was also elected as the Municipal President of Ahmedabad in 1922, 1924 and 1927. Sardar Patel ji worked for the improvement of the city by making changes in electricity, drainage, sanitation system and school system.
Sardar Patel and Gandhiji
Sardar Patel was practicing law when he came in contact with the great ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. We all know that Gandhiji believed in the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha. They fought against British rule with these weapons. Initially, Sardar Patel ji was not inclined towards the principles of Gandhi ji but after the Champaran incident, he became one of the supportive followers of Mahatma Gandhi.
Sardar Patel led the farmers of Bardoli in 1927 in revolt against the British government over the unofficial increase in land revenue by the government. Each village assured Sardar Patel that no taxes would be paid and that they would fight with courage and non-violence. Daily Sangharsh communiqués containing speeches of Sardar Patel were distributed in the villages. The impact was so strong that about 87,000 villagers along with their families and cattle actually locked themselves in their homes for three months. No one worked in the fields. In view of this mass movement, the government reduced its tax increase. For Sardar Patel, this was a turning point in his life.
He fully supported the non-cooperation movement under the leadership of Gandhiji. Sardar Patel had recruited more than 300,000 members at that time and Rs 15 lakh money was collected. He threw away his English-style clothes and even his daughter and son did the same. He changed his clothes to Khadi.
She not only participated in the freedom struggle but also worked extensively against social issues like untouchability, alcoholism and caste-based discrimination and also laid emphasis on women's empowerment.
Participation in Dandi March
Gandhiji broke the law prohibiting the manufacture of salt from seawater in Dandi, a small seaside village near Surat. In the Dandi March, Sardar Patel played an important role. He was appointed by Gandhiji to lead the journey. During this time Patel ji was arrested on the way and was imprisoned for three months.
Sardar Patel and his role in independent India
Sardar Patel was the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India. Sardar Patel backed down on Gandhiji's request so that Nehruji could become the first Prime Minister. Of all the 16 state and Congress representatives Gandhiji had asked to choose a name, 13 of them recommended Patel's name. But Patel ji refused to become Prime Minister at Gandhi ji's request.
Unification of States
The most praiseworthy and historic achievement of Sardar Patel was the integration of 562 princely states under the Union of India. Due to his strong personality, he prepared the kings for this unification. To this day, he is remembered as the man who united India.
Their Last Days
Sardar Patel's health began to deteriorate in 1950. Due to coughing up blood, Maniben started limiting his work and meetings. The privatized medical staff was hired for Patel Ji. After 2 November, his health deteriorated further, and he was confined to bed. He died of a massive heart attack (his second heart attack) on 15 December 1950 at Birla House, Bombay. Patel Ji was cremated in Sonapur (now Marine Lines).
Sardar Vallabhbhai Jhavarbhai Patel was a social leader who played a major role in India's freedom struggle. Till date, Patel ji is remembered as the most successful Home Minister of India. In 1991, he was officially awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor. In India, Patel's birthday is celebrated as Sardar Jayanti on 31 October. Today many institutions and monuments are named after him to honor this great personality of India.
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