Remembering Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: 10 facts you must know about India's Iron Man

Today marks the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India. One of the most influential personalities to have fought for Independence, Sardar Patel was born in Nadiad, Gujarat. Hailing from a farmer's family, Patel lived a simple life and was known for his wisdom and diplomatic skills. Although his official birthday is still unknown, Patel wrote his date of birth to be October 31 on his matriculation examination paper. Hence, this day is celebrated as his birth anniversary and is also observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day.

On his birth anniversary, let us take a look at 10 interesting facts about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:

1. Sardar Patel was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. After Independence, he became India's first deputy prime minister

2. On the first anniversary of Independence, Patel was appointed as the Home Minister of India.

3. Patel practised law at Godhra, Borsad and Anand in Gujarat after he had passed the bar examination studying books borrowed from senior lawyers.

4. At 36, Patel travelled to England and enrolled in the Middle Temple Inn, a school for barrister. He finished a 36-month course within just 30 months and topped the final examination despite having no previous college experience.

5. In the initial stages of freedom movement, Patel was not interested in politics or the principles of Mahatma Gandhi. However, after meeting Gandhi in Godhra, Patel joined the Congress and became the secretary of the Gujarat Sabha that became a Congress stronghold later on.

6. On Gandhi's call, Patel quit his job and joined the movement to fight for exemption of taxation in Kheda at the time of plague and famine.


7. Patel joined Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement and travelled around West India to recruit 300,000 members. He also collected more than Rs 1.5 million for party fund.

8. He worked extensively against alcohol consumption, untouchability, caste discrimination and for women emancipation in Gujarat and outside.

9. When Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned, Patel was asked to lead the Satyagraha movement in Nagpur in 1923 against the British law of banning the hoisting of the Indian Flag.

10. As India's first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Patel played a key role in the integration of the princely states.

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