IRON MAN OF INDIA - SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL
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(31st  October 2012- \His Birth Anniversary)

Sardar patel was very senior leader in the freedom struggle. His loyalty to Mahatma Gandhi was unquestionable.  But Sardar had not showed much interest in Gandhian way of achieving independence in the the beginning of his career as  practicing lawyer in Ahemdabad. He use to ridicule his activities then in the 'Gujarat Club, Ahemdabad where he use to pass his Evening time. Some of the Junior Lawyers  Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh use to go to Gandhi Ashram. They suggested him to  meet Gandhi. He visited him out of curiosity  He was very much impressed with Gandhi during his first meeting. He decided to join with him. It  shows that Sardar never did any thing without understanding the thing in the right perspectives.It is said that his attachment to Gandhi was like a disciple with his  Mentor.
                                         He use to get up very early in the Ashram and use keep Gandhi's teeth brushing things ready before Gandhi get up. He was master organizer and Gandhi gave him leadership of' ' Bardoli Farmers Satyagraha. Sardar was successful and Gandhiji gave him title of Sardar means Commander. Besides that Sardar had his full control over Congress organization. Therefore he was having control over 14 Pradesh Congress committees out of Seventeen.  He would have easily become first prime minister of independent India  However Gandhi instructed him to give way to Nehru. He obeyed his masters order like a loyal soldier. But Gandhi also insisted that he should be in government looking at his caliber and capacity.
                                       Sardar Patel integrated the all 550 native states in the union of India tactfully.  He had analytical mind and clear vision.  He had difference of opinion with Nehru and they never show eye to eye. Sardar wanted that our army should flush out invaders from Kashmir and  should go up to Peshawar. It was required  in order get it confirm from Pakistan that Kashmir is part of India.  But Nehru prevented him to doing so stating that we will be considered invasion.  He preferred to go united nation. Sardar opposed it but he was helpless in the matter. We are still paying heavily on Kashmir issue. In respect of  Hyderabad Sardar had his own plan to  liberate it. Once he put the same before cabinet but Nehru angrily refused to accept the plan and alleged that Sardar was perfect communal and he cannot accept his plan and proposal.  The humiliated Sardar left and never attended cabinet meetings thereafter. This incident which took place one week before Hyderabad police action which is confirmed by MKK Nayar one of IAS officers of 1947 batch in his memories. However Sardar firmly implemented his Hyderabad plan and informed Nehru after Hyderabad was taken over. Sardar also warned Nehru well in advance and  before 1962 chines aggression regarding the malicious intention of China.
                              Sardar was very strict regarding high values in politics. He had never forgiven his only son Dahyabhai for using name to get some fervor  Sardar Patel life was very simple and he had no wealth at the time of his death.  Sardar never care for power and  had requested Gandhi to relieve him from government. This was due to his over going difference of opinion with Nehru.  However Gandhi was shot dead after that meeting within couple of minutes.
                          It was very unfortunate that he was awarded 'Bharat Ratna' the  highest civilian award after his death and that too after several years.
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