Tributes poured in for the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the nation on his 146th Birth Anniversary, which has officially been the ‘National Unity Day / Rashtriya Ekta Diwas)’ since 2014.
Born in 1875, Vallabhbhai Patel, a successful barrister, became a key member of India’s Independence struggle, fighting alongside Mahatma Gandhi.
Vallabhbhai Patel, respectfully termed ‘Sardar’ (Leader) and ‘Iron Man of India,’ is credited with overseeing the integration of hundreds of princely states with the Indian Union during and after the Indian Independence.
Sardar Patel is also known for his efforts in establishing the ‘All India Services’ in the post-British era.
The ‘Statue of Unity’ depicting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is located at Sardar Sarovar Dam on the banks of Narmada River in Narmada district, Gujarat. The statue, measuring 182m vertically, is the tallest in the world.
Ram Nath Kovind, President of India, paid tributes to Sardar Patel at Rashtrapati Bhavan and Patel Chowk.
Prime Minister Modi, currently in Europe for participation in G20 and COP26 Summits, called the Sardar an inspiration for today’s India, which can deal with challenges.
Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is amongst those who built the pillars of Indian Democracy and protecting that democracy would be a true tribute.
Priyanka Gandhi tweeted that Vallabhbhai Patel raised the voice of the farmers at ‘Bardoli Satyagraha’ and called him an inspiration to fight against the oppression of the farmers.
‘Bardoli Satyagraha’ refers to a time when the erstwhile ‘Bombay Presidency’ of the ‘British Raj’ raised the taxes by 30 percent, and Sardar Patel asked the troubled farmers not to pay.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel passed away on December 15, 1950, after suffering a heart attack.