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
In the wake of the explosion outside the Red Fort, which claimed 12 lives and injured several others, Delhi Police has intensified their investigation into an inter-state terror module. In a major development, a preacher from Mewat in Haryana has been detained in connection with the module, along with two key figures Dr Muzammil Ganaie alias Musaib and Dr Umar Nabi. The ongoing probe has also revealed a Pulwama-based doctor, Umar Nabi, as the driver of the explosives-laden car used in the blast. Meanwhile, security measures have been heightened in the national capital following the incident, with extensive checking drives being conducted at entry and exit points.
Investigators from Delhi Police have pieced together a timeline of the movements of the Hyundai i20 car that exploded near the Red Fort on November 10, 2021. The car had entered the capital from Badarpur Toll Booth, fueled up at a nearby petrol pump, and was last seen parking near the Red Fort before the explosion occurred. The explosion, believed to be a terrorist attack, has raised concerns about the use of fake IDs in transferring ownership of the car. Senior officers have revealed that one of the IDs is linked to a resident of Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, further deepening suspicions of a terror connection. Forensic experts are currently examining samples to determine the type of explosive used. Delhi Police, along with NIA and NSG, are investigating whether the blast was a terrorist attack or a suicide bombing.
Dr Muzammil Shakeel, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a major terror plot, as authorities recovered a large amount of explosives and weapons from his rented accommodation in Haryana's Faridabad. Along with the explosive materials, controversial social media posts have resurfaced from over a decade ago, where Shakeel defended a convicted terrorist and shared Islamic quotes. He was also taking on a teaching position at a university in Dhauj at the time of his arrest.
Many have been eagerly awaiting the results of the Bihar Assembly elections, and exit polls are finally here. According to nine exit polls cited by The Indian Express, the BJP-led NDA is expected to continue as the ruling party, winning 147 seats in the 243-member Assembly. Meanwhile, the RJD-Congress alliance is projected to win 90 seats, and other parties are expected to win five. The highly anticipated results will be announced on November 14. #watch | Katihar, Bihar: Former Deputy CM and BJP candidate from Katihar, Tarkishore Prasad, shares his thoughts on the exit polls. He expresses confidence in the NDA's development work and trusts the voters of Bihar to choose the right party to lead the state. With a record voter turnout of 66.91%, the results of the Bihar Assembly elections are sure to make a major impact on the political landscape of India.
After an extensive campaign by poll strategist Prashant Kishor, the Jan Suraaj Party is unlikely to make an impact in the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections, according to an exit poll conducted by India TV and Matrize. Kishor, who has successfully formulated election campaigns for major political parties in the past, had earlier predicted a similar outcome. If the results turn out to be true, Kishor may have to reevaluate his strategy, though it should be noted that exit polls are not always accurate. Meanwhile, the NDA is expected to retain power in Bihar.
On Monday evening, a powerful explosion near Delhi's Red Fort injured several pedestrians and sparked concerns about national security. The blast, caused by a Hyundai i20 car, is being investigated by national security agencies to determine who was responsible and how the vehicle was brought to the area. Police have identified the car's owner, Pulwama resident Umar Tarikh, and are trying to find out how he acquired the vehicle. Meanwhile, forensic experts have collected samples to determine what kind of chemical or explosives were used in the blast.
The national capital of India has been placed on high alert following a high-intensity explosion near the Red Fort metro station on Monday, leaving 12 people dead and several injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that all angles are being investigated by teams from various agencies, including the Delhi Police, NSG, NIA, and FSL. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also vowed to bring the conspirators behind the blast to justice. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced compensation for the victims and enhanced security measures have been put in place at all airports.
In a significant move, the Pakistani government has introduced the 27th Constitutional Amendment bill, which would abolish the office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and create a new post of Chief of Defence Forces. This would make the Pakistan Chief of Army Staff the head of all three services and also create a Commander of National Strategic Command. The proposal has been met with controversy and would bring about one of the most significant changes in Pakistan's military command structure since the 1980s.
With the second phase of voting concluded, all eyes are now on the Bihar Exit Poll 2025. According to News18's Mega Exit Poll, the JD(U) is positioned for significant gains, giving the NDA a projected majority. However, independent MP Pappu Yadav and leaders of the INDIA Bloc have dismissed the exit polls, expressing confidence that the Mahagathbandhan will come out on top. All updates, projections and reactions can be followed live on News18.
As the first phase of Bihar's assembly elections comes to a close, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi stirred up controversy with sharp remarks targeting the state's Chief Election Commissioner and two other officials. Her comments about alleged vote irregularities and warnings to the officials have sparked criticism and raised questions about the limits of political speech. With key leaders like Tejashwi Yadav and Samrat Choudhary in the fray, the outcome of the elections on November 14 will determine the next government in the state.