AKIPRESS.COM - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, better known as “Iron Man of India”, was a freedom fighter and architect of the integration of India. In a fitting tribute to this giant, India is launching week-long celebrations on his birth anniversary on October 31 which has been designated as National Unity Day.

Born on October 31, 1875, Sardar Patel did his early schooling in Gujarat state of India and obtained his law degree from England in 1912. His formidable legal acumen earned him a dedicated clientele, and he became a much sought-after lawyer in India.

He was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and became his ardent follower, and a fellow traveler in India’s freedom journey. He led a success and peaceful “No Tax campaign” which forced the British authorities to return the land taken away from the farmers. Patel’s heroic efforts to mobilize farmers earned him the title of Sardar, which means ‘chief’ in Hindi.

Given his formidable organizational abilities and unflinching commitment to nation-building, Sardar Patel was appointed as the first deputy prime minister and home minister of independent India which brought out the best in him and help create an integrated and unified India as we know it now. He facilitated the integration of over 500 princely states into the framework of federal India.

Sardar Patel may have lived only two and a half years after India’s independence, but in those few months, he shaped the narrative of a modern, strong and self-reliant India. Decades after his death, Sardar Patel’s absolute love and devotion for India continues to inspire all those who are engaged in the resurgence of India.