This year, as India celebrates Sardar Patel's birth anniversary, we acknowledge the role he played in shaping modern India. As the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of the country, Patel's contributions are often overlooked but his efforts in unifying the princely states and establishing the all-India services system have greatly impacted the nation's governance. Through diplomatic negotiations and strategic thinking, Patel was able to bring together more than 500 separate territories and pave the way for a united Indian nation.
Iron Man of India: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and His Legacy
Background
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, hailed as the "Iron Man of India," was a preeminent figure in the Indian independence movement and the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of the newly formed Republic of India. Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, Patel was a lawyer by profession before he joined the Indian National Congress under the tutelage of Mahatma Gandhi.
Contributions to Indian Independence
Patel played a pivotal role in the Quit India Movement of 1942, which demanded the immediate independence of India from British colonial rule. He was arrested and imprisoned for seven years. After his release, he assisted Mahatma Gandhi in the negotiations leading to India's independence in 1947.
Unification of India
Following India's independence, Patel faced the daunting task of unifying the princely states that had existed within British India. Through diplomacy, negotiation, and sometimes force, he brought over 560 princely states under the Indian Union, creating a unified and sovereign nation.
Institutional Reforms
Patel played a crucial role in shaping the governance of India. He established the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS), which have served as the backbone of the Indian bureaucracy. He also played a key role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution.
Legacy and Significance
Sardar Patel died on December 15, 1950, at the age of 75. He is remembered as one of the architects of modern India, whose contributions to unity, governance, and national security continue to shape the nation today. His legacy is celebrated through the annual Sardar Patel Jayanti, which is observed on his birth anniversary.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q: What were Sardar Patel's main achievements? A: Unification of princely states, establishment of IAS and IPS, drafting of Indian Constitution
Q: Why was Patel known as the "Iron Man of India"? A: Due to his strong will, determination, and unwavering commitment to India's unity and independence
Q: What was Patel's relationship with Mahatma Gandhi? A: Patel was a close associate and follower of Gandhi, often called his "right-hand man"
Q: What are some of the current events related to Sardar Patel? A: Annual Sardar Patel Jayanti, efforts to preserve his legacy through museums and memorials
Q: How is Patel's legacy being honored in modern India? A: Through the erection of statues, naming of institutions and roads after him, and the celebration of his birth anniversary as a national holiday
The streets of Patna, Bihar have been filled with chaos and tension as aspiring candidates for the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) staged protests and attempted to gherao the BPSC office. With allegations of irregularities in the BPSC exams, the aspirants are demanding the cancellation and re-examination of the exam. The situation escalated when the protesting students were met with force by the police, leading to a standoff between the two groups.
A viral post claims that Udhayanidhi Stalin mocked Hinduism and proclaimed himself as a proud Christian. However, our investigation revealed that the video was edited to misrepresent Stalin's remarks. In his full speech, Stalin also identified as a Muslim and a Hindu, promoting religious equality and unity. Reports and the original footage of the speech further prove that the viral video was misleading.
A delegation of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including prominent Ministers and MLAs, visited the Khanauri border to meet Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a hunger strike for farmers' rights. Concerned about his deteriorating health, they urged him to seek medical treatment. The party also criticized the Central government for failing to fulfill its promises to the farmers and offered their support in the ongoing struggle.
Aspirants of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) have been protesting for eight days now, demanding a re-examination of the 70th BPSC exam. Independent MP Pappu Yadav has joined the protest and appealed to opposition MPs and MLAs to show their support. YouTuber and educator Faisal Khan, known as Khan Sir, has also joined the protest and urged the BPSC to consider the plight of the students. The BPSC aspirants have previously met Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal and have also protested against changes in the exam pattern and the normalisation process.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu wished Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the global Jewish community a happy Hanukkah, a festival that celebrates hope and freedom. In his message posted on X in English and Hebrew, PM Modi expressed his hope that the radiance of Hanukkah would bring peace, strength, and hope to everyone's lives. President Murmu also extended her warmest greetings to Israel President Isaac Herzog on this auspicious occasion.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has accused the BJP of planning to declare Parvesh Verma as its chief ministerial face for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections. This comes amid a heated political battle between AAP and BJP, with Kejriwal claiming that the BJP is upset with the successful schemes launched by his party and is resorting to distributing money to sway voters. The authenticity of these claims has been debated, with Kejriwal challenging Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj to resign if these accusations are found to be false.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Madhya Pradesh to extend his greetings to CM Mohan Yadav on the completion of one year in office. Dhami, along with Yadav, inaugurated the renovated Lakha Banjara Lake and laid the foundation stone for various public welfare projects in the Bundelkhand region. Dhami praised the progress of the region under Yadav's leadership and also mentioned the upcoming visit of PM Narendra Modi to lay the foundation of the Ken-Betwa river interlinking project.
Government leaders from across the country came together in Delhi at a special ceremony to pay their respects to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary. CM Chandrababu Naidu praised Vajpayee's leadership and his significant contributions to India's development, stating that his vision and ideas will always be remembered. Vajpayee, who passed away in 2018, was known for his leadership and important role in shaping India's future.
On the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the late political leader for his remarkable contributions to India's progress and transformation. PM Modi highlighted Vajpayee's achievements, including the Golden Quadrilateral project, nuclear tests, and his dedication to strengthening democracy and the Constitution. He also recalled the challenges India faced before Vajpayee took office in 1998, emphasizing the significant impact of his leadership on the country.
In 2024, India will observe Sushasan Diwas or Good Governance Day, which celebrates the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This day aims to raise awareness about government accountability and administration while promoting good governance practices among Indian civil servants. As a poet-politician, Vajpayee's contributions during his tenure saw the implementation of initiatives like Kisan Credit Card, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. This year, the theme for the celebrations is "India's Path to a Viksit Bharat: Empowering Citizens through Good Governance and Digitalisation," highlighting the importance of active participation from both the public and government for a better India.