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  • Oct 31, 2023
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Sardar Patel: The Iron Man of India

Relevance

  • GS Paper 1 Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant events, personalities, issues.
  • Tags: #VallabhbhaiPatel #SardarPatel #NationalUnityday #Aarambh5 #PMModi #NarendraModi #PrimeMinister #UPSC #GS1

Why in the News?

  • On the occasion of Sardar Patel Jayanti on 31st October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in National Unity Day celebrations at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. He will pay tribute to Sardar Patel by visiting the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
  • The Prime Minister will observe the unity parade by police personnel and take the oath of National Unity Day.
  • He will address officer trainees during the “Aarambh 5.0”
  • The Prime Minister will launch 5 projects, 3 tourism attractions, and 3 infrastructure projects under the Green Initiative.
  • A new weekly train between Ahmedabad and Ekta Nagar will be launched for the convenience of tourists, offering dining facilities.

Who was Sardar Patel?

  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Kheda district of Gujarat.
  • He was a successful barrister and a prominent leader in the Indian National Congress.
  • Patel was a key figure in India’s freedom struggle and a staunch Congressman.
  • He served as the first Deputy Prime Minister of India and was a devoted follower of Mahatma Gandhi.
  • He played a pivotal role in the integration of 565 princely states into the newly independent India.
  • Sardar Patel was known for his commitment to the unity and integrity of India.
  • He was proudly hailed as the “Iron Man of India” for his efforts in uniting the diverse princely states.

His Activism and Leadership

  • Patel’s pivotal meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 led him to join the Congress and advocate for the exemption of taxes in Kheda during a plague and famine in 1918.
  • He actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920 and recruited 3 lakh volunteers for the Congress Party, raising a substantial sum for the party fund.
  • When Gandhi was imprisoned in 1923, Patel led the Satyagraha against the British ban on hoisting India’s flag.
  • Sardar Patel gained prominence after the Bardoli Satyagraha in 1928, earning him the title ‘Sardar.’
  • Pandit Motilal Nehru recommended him to Mahatma Gandhi for the Congress President role.
  • He was arrested during the Salt Satyagraha in 1930.
  • In 1939, Patel supported Pt. Nehru’s decision to withdraw the Congress from legislatures.
  • During the Quit India Movement (1942), he was imprisoned alongside the entire Congress Working Committee.

His Social Reforms and Advocacy

  • Patel was elected Congress President in 1931 and advocated for a secular nation, workers’ minimum wages, and untouchability abolition.
  • Patel organized the return of confiscated land to farmers in Gujarat.
  • He worked against alcohol consumption, caste discrimination and for women’s emancipation.
  • He was a strong advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity and staunchly believed in secularism.
  • He blamed the Hindu Mahasabha for Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination and banned the RSS for a year, demonstrating his commitment to secularism and unity.

Sardar Patel: Architect of Integration

  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel believed that partition was a necessary step to prevent India from fragmenting into numerous smaller entities, which would have led to the country’s complete ruination.
  • His year-long experience in office had convinced him that the existing path would ultimately lead to disaster, with the risk of multiple Pakistan-like divisions within various government offices.
  • As India’s first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Patel played a pivotal role in integrating 565 princely states into the Indian Union.
  • Nehru lauded Patel’s contributions, referring to him as “The Builder and Consolidator of New India.”
  • In the inaugural Council of Ministers of Independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel held several key roles:
    • Deputy Prime Minister
    • Minister of Home Affairs
    • Minister of Information and Broadcasting

His Relationship with Jawahar Lal Nehru

Despite differences in approach, Nehru and Patel shared mutual admiration and respect, both working towards India’s progress.

Difference Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jawaharlal Nehru
Ideology Right-leaning, support for private enterprise Left-leaning, emphasis on socialist policies
Economic Views Favored economic liberalism and private enterprise Advocated for a mixed economy with state control
Economic Policies Emphasized economic stability and development, supported free-market principles Advocated for state-led economic planning and socialist policies
Political Approach Pragmatic and realistic, known for firm decisions Idealistic and visionary, focused on long-term goals
Political Affiliation Strongly associated with the Indian National Congress Strongly associated with the Indian National Congress
Leadership Style Strong and authoritative, often called the “Iron Man of India” Charismatic and intellectual, symbol of democratic ideals
Integration Efforts Pivotal role in integrating princely states into India, strong advocate for national unity Focused on foreign policy and international relations, advocate for non-alignment
Views on Religion Secular, believed in religious harmony Secular, advocated for religious tolerance
Foreign Policy Emphasized strengthening India’s sovereignty and security, was tough on border disputes Promoted non-alignment, played a significant role in the Non-Aligned Movement
Social Reforms Actively worked against untouchability, caste discrimination, and alcohol consumption Focused on education, science, and the development of institutions
Role in Nation Building Instrumental in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union Played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution and shaping the democratic framework
Legacy Known as the “Iron Man of India” for his role in unification, strong supporter of Hindu-Muslim unity Revered as the architect of modern India, an advocate for democracy and secularism

His Relevance in Contemporary India

  • Unity and integrity: Patel is revered for his role in unifying India after independence. His emphasis on national unity and integration is still relevant today, as India faces challenges such as separatism and communalism.
  • The fight against separatism: Patel’s role in integrating the princely states into India is a reminder of the importance of national unity.

Examples: India is still facing challenges from separatist movements in Kashmir and the Northeast, and Patel’s example can provide inspiration for those who are working to resolve these conflicts peacefully.

  • Development: Patel was a strong advocate for development, particularly in rural areas. His focus on irrigation, and agricultural productivity is still relevant today, as India strives to achieve inclusive growth.
      • His focus on infrastructure development and agricultural productivity is still relevant today, as India seeks to reduce poverty and inequality.
      • His emphasis on self-reliance in the agricultural sector is also important, as India seeks to achieve food security.
  • Self-reliance: Patel believed that India should be self-reliant in all spheres, including economically, militarily, and technologically. This is still an important goal for India today, as it seeks to become a global power.
  • Institutional building: Patel played a key role in building the institutions of the Indian state, such as the police, the bureaucracy, and the military. These institutions are still essential for India’s stability and prosperity.
    • Patel’s emphasis on meritocracy and professionalism is particularly important for the police and the bureaucracy.
    • He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the All-India Services, which he often referred to as the nation’s ‘Steel Frame.’
    • Recognizing the vital function that civil services fulfill in the administration of a country, the preservation of law and order, and the governance of institutions that serve as the cohesive fabric of society, he is widely acknowledged as the Architect of Modern All India Services.
  • Democratic values: Patel was a staunch defender of democratic values such as secularism, equality, and justice. These values are still under threat in India today, and Patel’s legacy can be a source of inspiration for those who are fighting for democracy.
    • It is still relevant today, as India faces challenges from communalism and religious extremism.
    • He stood against hatred and insensitivity, values needed in the current communal environment.

In addition to these, Patel’s overall commitment to nation-building and his strong leadership qualities are still relevant today. India faces many challenges in the 21st century, and Patel’s example can provide guidance and inspiration for those who are working to build a better future for the country.

Source: PIB

Mains Question

In the context of contemporary India, critically evaluate the relevance of Sardar Patel’s principles and policies, with a focus on national integration and governance in a diverse and complex nation.