Sardar Patel’s Vision & Meaning of National Unity

Syllabus: GS1/History

Context

• On October 31st, the Prime Minister of India led the nation in commemorating Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

• Born: 31st October 1875 in the Leuva Patel Patidar community at Nadiad, Gujarat.
• Education: A law graduate, later, went to England to study further, and became a barrister, and began his legal practice in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, after returning to India.

Contribution to India’s Independence Movement

• Sardar Patel met with Mahatma Gandhi in October 1917, which inspired him to dedicate his life to India’s freedom struggle.
• He began his public career in 1917 as the Sanitation Commissioner of Ahmedabad, and later served as Chairman of the Municipal Committee (1924–1928).
• He joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and initially led the Satyagraha movement in Gujarat to protest against British oppression.
• Later, he took an active role in the Quit India Movement (1942) and worked closely with Gandhiji to mobilize people for independence.

Architect of National Integration (Post Independence)

• Sardar Patel became the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India.
• One of his most significant contributions was the integration of over 560 princely states into the Indian Union.
• He was considered the de facto Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army during the crucial period of political integration of India and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947.
• His vision culminated in later milestones — merger of Goa (1961), Sikkim’s accession (1975), and the abrogation of Article 370 (2019), fulfilling his dream of complete unity.

Legacy of Sardar Patel

• The Iron Man of India: Sardar Patel’s life was a remarkable example of determination, unity, and leadership. His strong belief in ‘Unity in Diversity’ and his leadership for a common cause made him the Iron Man of India.
  • Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) was instituted in 2014 to celebrate the monumental role in unifying over 560 princely states into the Indian Union after independence.
• Recognition and Bharat Ratna Award: Sardar Patel was awarded by Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 1991, 41 years after his death in 1950.
• Sardar Patel’s legacy teaches that unity is not inherited — it must be rebuilt in every generation. It demands constant defence against forces of indifference, ignorance, and regionalism.
  • As India grows and diversifies, Patel’s message endures: Our strength lies not in sameness, but in solidarity.
• Patel’s vision of unity was about federation — a union of minds and hearts bound by shared heritage.

Source: TH