Context:
President of India commemorated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 149th birth anniversary.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:
- Born on – 31st October 1875 in Gujarat
- National Unity Day celebrated on his birth anniversary
- Known as ‘Iron Man of India’, known for his determination and firm approach, symbolizing national unity and resilience.
- Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue at 182 meters (600 feet), was inaugurated at Kevadia, Gujarat, honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- Died on – 15th December 1950
Role in the Indian National Movement:
- Kheda Satyagraha (1918) – Played a key role in demanding tax exemptions for farmers affected by drought.
- Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) – Led the resistance against an unjust tax increase, earning the title “Sardar” for his leadership.
- Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience – Supported Gandhi’s vision, led actions like the Salt Satyagraha in 1930
- Congress Leadership – Chaired the 46th session of the Congress in 1931 held in Karachi, involved in Gandhi-Irwin Pact discussions.
- Participated in Quit India Movement (1942)
- Led the integration of princely states into the Indian Union, ensuring stability and democracy.
- Instrumental in establishing the modern All India Services, strengthening India’s administrative framework.
- Known as the “patron saint of India’s civil servants.”
- National Civil Services Day celebrated on 21st April to honour Patel’s 1947 speech emphasizing the importance of civil servants.
- Led Constituent Assembly’s Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities and Tribal and Excluded Areas.
- Headed Provincial Constitution Committee
- Served as the 1st Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India
- Envisaged the idea of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organise a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda?
1. The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought.
2. The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2011 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct: The Gujarat Sabha, consisting of the peasants, submitted petitions to the highest governing authorities of the province requesting that the revenue assessment for the year 1919 be suspended.