Sardar Vallabhai Patel, was the first deputy Prime Minister of India. He was also India’s first home minister. Fondly called the Iron Man of India, It was Sardar Vallabhai Patel’s determination and courage which created a unified India after India became independent from British on 1947.

Sardar Patel was born in the state of Gujarat. Right from his childhood, he was a bright student  and a great organizer. He went to England to continue his studies and returned to India after earning a degree. He subsequently earn the barrister post and soon became a successful lawyer. He rejected many attractive jobs offered by the British government.  Soon he started participating in the National freedom movement. His organizing capacity and public speaking skills made him a mass leader. In 1917, he was elected as the secretary of Indian national congress In Gujarat. He participated in all major agitations organized against British and in 1930, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was among the leaders imprisoned for participating in the famous Salt Satyagraha. He played a major role in the 1942 quit India movement. Post-independence, Patel, played an instrumental role in uniting the country by pushing for the merger of more than 562 princely states.

The greatness of Sardar Patel can be understood from a single incident where in the 1946 election for the Congress presidency, he stepped down in favor of Nehru at the request of Gandhi. Sardar Patel very well knew that  the congress president will be eventually be the Prime Minister of Free India.

Sadly, he couldn’t live long to  enjoy the hard earned freedom long enough.He passed away on December 15, 1950. Sardar Patel is immortal. He still lives and inspires millions of people in India and around the world. Recently India government announced the Statue of Unity, a fitting tribute to Sardar Valla Bhai Patel with a planned height of 182 meters. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna , India’s highest honor  in 1991,.Sardar Patel’s birthday which comes on October 31, was declared as Rashtriya Ekta Divas .