Sardar Patel Hindu Champion

	Ganpati Stuti

Champions of Hinduism: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875 - 1950) Pg 1/2

Vallabhabhai Patel was born on 31st October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujrat. His father Jhaverbhai was a farmer. He had his earlier education in Gujrati, and passed his matriculation when he was 21. He wanted to become a barrister. His father being of limited means, he borrowed the books and studied law at home. Finally he went to England in 1910 and in 1913, at the age of 37, passed the law exam with flying colors, fulfilling his dream

He returned to India and became very successful barrister in Ahmadbad. He took to western clothing and had a very comfortable life style. He became impressed with Gandhiji’s activities, and got involved with him. There was drought in Gujrat in 1918 and Gandhiji took up peasants cause, when Vallabhbahi offered his services and gave his lucrative practice and devoted full time in public life.

Vallabhbhai successfully let peasants revolt in Kheda, when British government, after along struggle suspended collection of revenue and roll back rates. This satyagrah turned Vallabhbhai into a national hero. He burned his English clothes and foreign possessions in Public and started wearing khadi.

In 1928 Vallabhbhai again came to the rescue of Bardoli Taluka farmers, when government increased taxes, specially when farmers suffered from floods and famine. His plea for the reduction was rejected. Farmers, under the guidece of Vallabhbhai did not pay a single paisa in tax and started Satyagrah. Which lasted for six months. The government confiscated their land, jailed Satyagrahis and announced the deadline for the payment. Government tried to suppress the revolt, but finally bowed before Vallabbhai. Gandhiji was so pleased, he gave him the title of “Sardar” .

He was imprisoned in 1930 for his civil disobedience activates to be released in 193l.Again upon the failure of Round table conference in London, he was jailed along with Gandhiji in 1932, where two spent 30 months together, and developed close bond of trust, affection and frankness. While Sardar was in prison, his mother and brother died. He refused to be released to attend their funerals. Sardar Patel was finally released in 1934.

In August 1942 the congress launched “Quit India” movement, and all the congress leaders including Sardar were jailed for 3 years.

India Became free on 15th August, 1947, only after creation of Pakistan, and Sardar was appointed Deputy Prime Minister, in charge of Home Affairs, Information & Broadcasting and the Ministry of States. When riots broke out, he had the Army move ten thousand Muslims to Red Fort, to save their lives.