There are two famous 'Sardars' of Bharat - Sardar Bhagat Singh and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. 'Sardar' means 'Leader'.

Shri. Vallabhbhai Patel was born on the 31st of October of 1875 in Gujarat region of British ruled Bharat.

In his childhood, he used to help his father in farming. At school, he was a curious child, who used to ask questions to his teachers. He was also very good in Maths.

Vallabhbhai wanted to learn English and knew its value. He studied in different English medium schools in Gujarat. Vallabh was a natural leader and stood up against acts of injustice even in his childhood.

He had an elder brother- Vithalbhai. He taught himself law and became a pleader. He used to go to court and observed live courtroom sessions. He borrowed law books from lawyers to study law.

Vallabh was both strong and kind. He once removed a painful boil from his armpit by himself with the barber's knife. He never hesitated to do what had to be done and what was right.

Vallabh passed the Pleader's exam in three years by studying on his own. He was very good at cross examining witnesses. He decided to take up criminal cases as there was more money in them. He wanted to study law further in England. He needed the money to fund his further education in England. He needed money to travel to English, for his stay there and for paying his education fees.

He was only thirty- four years old when his wife died. He promised to never marry again for the sake of his children and he kept his word.

Vallabhbhai went to England and completed his further studies in Law in 20 months. He returned to Bharat and obtained a roaring law practice. He became the Chairman of the Sanitary Committee when he was elected to the Ahmedabad Municipality. He listened to Gandhiji's speeches and became his follower. He became the Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Gujarat Sabha following Gandhiji's advice. He addressed the issue of 'Veth', which was the illegal system of bonded Labour in place and obtained justice for the farmers. Soon, Shri.Vallabhbhai began to give more time for Gandhi ji's Satyagraha.

Patel stayed with Gandhiji during the latter's illness. He helped to launch the Non-Cooperation movement. Patel also opposed the evil practice of untouchability.

Vallabhbhai was given the title of 'Sardar' or 'Leader' by the people for his pro-poor and pro-nation work. Soon, the British partitioned India. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel became Bharat's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. He got 564 Princely states integrated within Bharat, successfully. Mani, one of his daughters served her father till the end. He died on the 15th of December of 1950.

He was kind and gentle and yet with an iron-will, decisiveness and clear vision.

The World's Tallest Statue known as the Statue of Unity standing at 182 metres is dedicated to him. It was opened by Prime Minister, Shri.Narendra Modi at Kevadia in Gujarat. His birthday is Celebrated as National Unity Day in Bharat. Shri. Vallabhbhai Patel ji is known as Bharat's 'Iron-Man'. His 150th Birth Anniversary falls on 31st October of 2025.

Jai Hind! Bharat Mata ki Jai! Vande Mataram!