Today is the 134th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Few remember his birthday or his contribution because he was not as charismatic like Nehru or Gandhi. He didn't hold the office of prime minister, despite many rooting for him.
His contribution was enormous for India and had a vision for the nation. If he had his way, insurgency wouldn't have cropped up in Jammu and Kashmir, nor would we have a problem with Pakistan. He also handled the problem in Hyderabad very well.
The princely state wanted to be a part of Pakistan, but Patel's action salvaged the situation. He had all the qualities necessary to be a strong prime minister. He integrated princely states into India, but his achievement is largely unsung.
-Rajan Jayakar
(As told to Nitin Kumar)
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