Vallabhbhai Patel: The Iron Man of India

1. Early Life

• Vallabhbhai Patel was born on October 31, 1875, in Gujarat to Zaverbhai and Ladbai.

2. Legal Studies and Practice

• Patel completed his legal studies in 1913 and returned to India to start his law practice.

3. Rejection of Lucrative British Posts

• Despite offers of lucrative positions by the British Government due to his legal expertise, Patel declined them.

4. Influence of Mahatma Gandhi

• Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's work and philosophy, Patel became a dedicated follower.

5. Leadership in No Tax Campaign

• In 1917, Patel was elected as the Secretary of the Gujarat Sabha.
• During a flood in Kaira, the British authorities insisted on collecting taxes from the affected farmers.
• Patel led a massive "No Tax campaign," urging the farmers not to pay their land taxes.
• The peaceful movement compelled the British to return the land taken from the farmers, earning Patel the title of "Sardar."

6. Leadership in Bardoli Tax Agitation

• In 1928, the farmers of Bardoli faced a similar issue with a tax hike.
• When farmers refused to pay the extra tax, the government seized their lands.
• Under Patel's leadership, the agitation persisted for over six months, resulting in a resolution between the government and farmers, with the lands being returned.

7. Participation in Salt Satyagraha

• In 1930, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was imprisoned for participating in Mahatma Gandhi's famous Salt Satyagraha.

8. Inspirational Speeches During Salt Satyagraha

• Patel's inspiring speeches during the Salt Movement played a significant role in motivating people who later contributed to the success of the movement.

9. Release Following Gandhi-Irwin Pact

• Sardar Patel was released in 1931 after an agreement was reached between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, known as the Gandhi-Irwin pact.

10. Presidency of Indian National Congress

• In 1931, Patel was elected as the president of the Indian National Congress Party for its Karachi session.
• The party committed to defending fundamental and human rights and envisioned a secular nation during this session.

11. Leadership in All-India Election Campaign

• In 1934, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel led the all-India election campaign for the Indian National Congress, supporting fellow party members, although he did not contest a seat himself.

12. Integration of Princely States

• At the time of independence, India was divided into different territories, including those under British control, territories with hereditary rulers, and regions colonized by France and Portugal.
• Patel played a crucial role in integrating over 565 princely states into the Indian Union, ensuring the unification of the nation.