New Delhi: On the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the government of India declared October 31 as National Unity Day in 2014. National Unity Day is also called Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Sardar Patel is known as the ‘Iron Man of India’, but do you know he is also called the ‘Unifier of Modern India’? He is credited for merging over 500 princely states into Independent India.
As of October 31, we celebrate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, let us look at interesting facts about the former Deputy Prime Minister of India.
Lesser-known facts about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Uniting India
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is known as the “Unifier of India” for bringing together 565 princely states into Independent India. He used diplomacy to gain the support of the rulers of these states.
Establishing the Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service
Sardar Patel is recognised as the founding figure of these services. He established foundational principles to safeguard the independence and fairness of civil services, and his contributions have played a crucial role in shaping the integrity of these institutions.
Salt Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement
Vallabhbhai Patel played a key role in leading Indians during important movements like the Salt Satyagraha and Quit India movement.
Organising Relief Efforts
He also helped organise support for refugees fleeing to Punjab and Delhi from Pakistan.
Establishing the Gujarat Vidyapeeth
Patel founded the Gujarat Vidyapeeth so that children could study instead of attending government schools.
Vowing to Rebuild the Somnath Temple
Sardar Patel promised to rebuild the Somnath Temple, which had been destroyed and rebuilt several times.
A Helping Hand in Constitution
Patel was also important in the Constituent Assembly of India. He helped appoint Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar as the chairman of the drafting committee.
Sardar Patel’s achievements include the above-mentioned. He also worked extensively against alcohol consumption, untouchability, and caste discrimination.
With many achievements, Vallabhbhai Patel earned the title of ‘Sardar’ from the women of Bardoli. Sardar means chief or leader.
