Delhi Assembly Honors Vithalbhai Patel’s Legacy

Delhi Assembly Honours Vithalbhai Patel’s Historic Legacy

Why in the News?

The Delhi Assembly will commemorate Vithalbhai Patel, the first Indian President (Speaker) of the Central Legislative Assembly, through an exhibition, documentary film, and postal stamp release. The event highlights his role in India’s freedom struggle and parliamentary traditions.

Highlights of the Commemoration:

• Exhibition titled “Veer Vithalbhai Patel Gaurav Gatha” will showcase archival material.
• Display items include: ○ Patel’s election documents. ○ Letters exchanged between Patel and Mahatma Gandhi. ○ Original death certificate of Bhagat Singh.
• 10-minute documentary features rare footage of Mahatma Gandhi (1930 public meeting).
• Delhi Assembly holds eight volumes of Patel’s speeches, circulars, and letters (1918–1933).
• A coffee table book on Patel’s legacy is also being prepared.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah to release a postal stamp in Patel’s honour.

Life and Contributions of Vithalbhai Patel:

• Elder brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• First Indian elected Speaker (1925) of the Central Legislative Assembly.
• Re-elected for a second term as Assembly President.
• Initially associated with Indian National Congress; later co-founded the Swaraj Party with C.R. Das.
• Arrested as a satyagrahi in 1930, released in 1931 due to ill health.
• Travelled to Vienna and Switzerland for treatment; passed away on October 22, 1933, in Switzerland.
• His will (1933) left property under the stewardship of Subhash Chandra Bose for India’s political upliftment.