Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India, passed away on this day, December 15, in the year 1950.
While there have been many rebels and many statesmen in this world, it's rare for history to observe a man who was successful as both.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India, passed away on this day, December 15, in the year 1950. Known as the 'Ironman' of India, Sardar Patel was instrumental in India's independence struggle, and then for the integration of over 500 princely states into the Union of India.
A truly great social leader, his work was characterised by excellence. He has made his spot in the history of our nation and in our hearts for eternity. He played an instrumental role in India's struggle for independence, is hailed even today for his contributions.
Sardar Patel worked with astonishing speed to dismantle the history of imperialism and create the geography of unity with the spirit of nationalism. He saved India from Balkanisation and integrated even the weakest of limbs into the national framework.
On the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, on October 31, 2018, PM Modi unveiled the 'Statue of Unity' in Gujarat's Narmada district.
With a height of 182 meters, the Sardar Patel statue is 100 times larger than the average person. The total height of the Sardar Patel statue is double that of New York's Statue of Liberty.
On his 70th death anniversary, let's take a look at 5 interesting facts about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:
1. First Deputy PM and Home Minister
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Vallabhbhai Patel, who is also known as Sardar Patel, was the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India.
2. Passed matriculation at 22
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Patel passed his matriculation when he was about 22 years old. Patel wanted to become a lawyer and spent years studying on his own with books borrowed from other lawyers. He cleared his examination within two years. Later, he became one of the most successful barristers in the country.
3. Joined politics after meeting Mahatma Gandhi
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In the initial stages of the freedom movement, Patel was not interested in politics or the principles of Mahatma Gandhi. However, after meeting Gandhi in Godhra, Patel joined the Congress and became the secretary of the Gujarat Sabha that became a Congress stronghold later.
4. Advocated Swaraj
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Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel advocated Swaraj or self-rule and organised peasants from Kheda, Borsad, and Bardoli in Gujarat in non-violent civil disobedience against the British Raj, becoming one of the most influential leaders in Gujarat.
5. Statue of Unity
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The Statue of Unity, unveiled by PM Modi, stands on the banks of the Narmada river. It is 182m high, making it the tallest in the world. The statue was built at a cost of Rs 2,989 crore.
