On the occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, celebrated across the country as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), his grandson Gautam Patel shared his reflections on the enduring legacy of the Iron Man of India. Speaking about the importance of the Statue of Unity, the monument built in Sardar Patel’s honor, Gautam Patel highlighted the role it would play in educating and inspiring future generations about the towering leadership of his grandfather.

“It was nice to see history. New generations will learn about him (Sardar Patel). Those who didn’t see him will see and remember him through this (Statue of Unity),” Gautam Patel said. He added that very little had been written about the period of India’s struggle for independence and the crucial events that shaped the nation. Recounting the role of Mahatma Gandhi in mobilizing the population, he noted, “Gandhiji convinced everyone to leave their jobs and engage in Satyagraha in 1930. It took twenty years to achieve Swaraj.”

The remarks by Gautam Patel came as India marked the sesquicentennial of Sardar Patel’s birth, a moment that not only commemorates his contributions but also serves as a reflection on the principles of unity, integrity, and national service that he championed throughout his life. The Statue of Unity, which stands as the tallest statue in the world, is more than just a monument; it is a symbol of the unification of the Indian subcontinent under Patel’s vision and leadership and is intended to serve as a perpetual reminder of his pivotal role in shaping modern India.

Prime Minister Modi pays tribute

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity, located in Kevadia, Narmada district, Gujarat. The Prime Minister laid floral tributes to the statue, bowing in respect to one of India’s most revered leaders. The occasion saw a large gathering of participants from various walks of life, including government officials, members of the armed forces, and citizens from across the country, all coming together to mark the 150th Jayanti of the man who played an instrumental role in India’s integration.

Following the tribute, PM Modi participated in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade, a ceremonial event held annually to honor Patel’s contributions to the nation. This year, the parade was led by women personnel from different branches of the security and defense forces under the supervision and leadership of the Prime Minister himself. The event not only showcased the discipline and dedication of the personnel but also served as a reminder of the values of unity and service that Patel had upheld during his lifetime.

The oath-taking ceremony was led by IPS officer Simran Bhardwaj from the Gujarat cadre, and thousands of participants took the national unity pledge. During the ceremony, PM Modi recited the Unity Pledge, reaffirming a personal and collective commitment to preserving India’s sovereignty, integrity, and unity. The pledge emphasizes the dedication of every citizen to uphold the security and solidarity of the nation, values that Patel himself had worked tirelessly to establish and maintain.

“I solemnly swear that I will dedicate myself to the preservation of the unity, integrity, and security of the nation. I will also make every effort to spread this message among my countrymen. I take this oath in the spirit of my country’s unity, which was made possible by the foresight and hard work of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. I also resolve to do my part to ensure the internal security of my country,” PM Modi recited during the ceremony.

The Life and Legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, into a family of modest means. Patel’s early life was marked by dedication, discipline, and an innate sense of justice, traits that would later define his political and administrative career. Educated in law, he established himself as a prominent barrister before entering the Indian independence movement.

As a leader, Patel was renowned for his pragmatism, strategic foresight, and indomitable will. During the struggle for independence, he earned recognition for his organizational skills, his ability to mobilize the masses, and his steadfast commitment to non-violence, inspired by the teachings and leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Patel’s efforts in the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Satyagraha campaigns of the 1920s and 1930s demonstrated his capacity to balance moral conviction with practical leadership, earning him the respect of both his contemporaries and the general populace.

After India achieved independence in 1947, Patel was appointed as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Ministerof the newly formed nation. In this capacity, he undertook the monumental task of integrating over 560 princely statesinto the Indian Union. At a time when the subcontinent was marked by political fragmentation and social uncertainty, Patel’s firm yet diplomatic approach ensured a peaceful transition for most states, while carefully navigating the challenges posed by those hesitant or resistant to joining the union.

Patel’s administrative acumen and steadfast dedication to the unity of India earned him the sobriquet “Iron Man of India”. His ability to combine diplomacy with firmness allowed him to unify a diverse and fragmented subcontinent into a coherent nation-state. His leadership not only prevented the balkanization of India but also laid the foundation for a stable, democratic, and sovereign nation.

The Statue of Unity

The Statue of Unity, inaugurated in 2018, stands as a testament to Patel’s legacy. At 182 meters, it is the tallest statue in the world and was constructed on the banks of the Narmada River in Gujarat. Beyond its architectural grandeur, the statue symbolizes Patel’s vision of national unity, strength, and integrity. It serves as a focal point for national reflection, education, and inspiration, particularly for younger generations who may not have witnessed the life and leadership of Patel firsthand.

Gautam Patel emphasized that the statue is a crucial medium through which the values and contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel will continue to resonate. He noted that while history books provide an account of events, monuments like the Statue of Unity provide a tangible connection to the past and offer a lasting reminder of the sacrifices, vision, and leadership that shaped India’s destiny.

“Those who didn’t see him will see and remember him through this statue,” Gautam Patel said, underscoring the importance of preserving the memory of Sardar Patel for posterity.

National Unity and Contemporary Relevance

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, observed on Patel’s birth anniversary, is not only a day to commemorate his contributions but also to reinforce the ideals of unity, integrity, and national cohesion. Through ceremonies, parades, and pledges, the day serves as a reminder to citizens about the importance of solidarity in maintaining India’s social, political, and territorial integrity.

Sardar Patel’s leadership continues to hold contemporary relevance. In an era of global and domestic challenges, his example serves as a guide for balancing governance, diplomacy, and principled action. The lessons from his life—resolute commitment to national interest, strategic decision-making, and inclusive leadership—remain instructive for policymakers, administrators, and citizens alike.

Conclusion

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on his unparalleled contributions to India’s independence and nation-building. From his early activism and collaboration with Mahatma Gandhi to his role in integrating princely states, Patel’s life exemplifies vision, courage, and determination. The Statue of Unity, standing tall in Gujarat, ensures that even those who never saw Patel in person can connect with his legacy, understand his significance, and draw inspiration from his life.

Through the celebrations, tributes, and national ceremonies, India not only honors Patel’s memory but also reaffirms its commitment to the unity, integrity, and security that he dedicated his life to preserving. As Gautam Patel aptly put it, the Statue of Unity allows future generations to see, remember, and learn from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, keeping alive the ideals that made him one of India’s most revered leaders.

The 150th Jayanti, therefore, is both a commemoration and a call to action—to uphold the principles of unity and integrity, to educate future generations about the struggles and achievements of the nation, and to ensure that Patel’s vision of a strong and cohesive India endures for centuries to come.