The first half of 1947 was a critical
period in India’s history. The end of colonial rule was certain and so was
India’s partition but what was uncertain was whether there would be more than
one division. Prices were rising, food shortages were common but over and above
everything else, the unity of India was under severe strain.
It was in these circumstances that the
States Department came into being in the middle of 1947. Among the chief aims
of this Department was to negotiate India’s relationship with the over 550
Princely states, which were as diverse as they could get, be it in size,
population, terrain or economic situation. No wonder Mahatma Gandhi remarked,
“The problem of the states is so difficult that YOU alone can solve it.”
The YOU in question is none other than
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose Jayanti we are marking today and to whom we pay
our tributes.
In vintage Sardar Patel style, he went
about his work with precision, firmness and administrative efficiency. Time was
less and the task was herculean…but this was no ordinary person, it was Sardar
Patel, who was determined not to let his nation down. One by one, he and his
team negotiated with the Princely states and ensured that they all became a
part of free India.
It was due to the round the clock effort
of Sardar Patel that the map of India is what it is today!
Once freedom was won, VP Menon, it is
said, wanted to retire from government service, only to be told by Sardar Patel
that this was neither the time rest nor the time to retire. Such was Sardar
Patel’s firm resolve.VP Menon was made the Secretary of the States Department.
In his book ‘The Story of the Integration of Indian States’, he writes about
how Sardar Patel led from the front and inspired the entire team to work
assiduously. He also writes that Sardar Patel was clear- first and foremost
came the interests of the people of India, there would be no compromise on
that.
On 15th August 1947, we celebrated the dawn of a new
destiny but the work of nation building was far from complete. As Independent
India’s first Home Minister, he set the stage for an administrative framework
that continues to serve the nation be it in matters of day to day governance
and protecting the interests of the people, particularly the poor and
marginalized.
Sardar Patel was a veteran administrator.
His own experience in governance, particularly in the 1920s, when he served the
Ahmedabad municipality, was extremely handy when he worked towards
strengthening independent India’s administrative framework. While in Ahmedabad,
he did commendable work in furthering cleanliness in the city. He ensured clean
and functioning drainage systems across the city. He also focussed on other
aspects of urban infrastructure such as roads, electricity and education.
Today, if India is known for a vibrant
cooperative sector, a large part of the credit goes to Sardar Patel. The roots
of Amul can be traced back to his vision for empowering local communities,
particularly women. It was Sardar Patel who also popularized the idea of
cooperative housing societies, thus ensuring dignity and shelter for many.
Two traits synonymous with Sardar Patel
are trust and integrity. The farmers of India had unparalleled faith in him.
Afterall, he was a Kisan Putra, who led from the front during the Bardoli
Satyagraha. The working class saw him as a ray of hope, a leader who would
speak up for them. Traders and industrialists preferred to work with Sardar
Patel because they felt here was a stalwart who had a vision for India’s
economic and industrial growth.
His political peers too trusted him.
Acharya Kripalani remarked that whenever they faced an issue and if Bapu’s
guidance was not available, they would turn to Sardar Patel. When political
negotiations were at their peak in 1947, Sarojini Naidu called him “the man of
decision and man of action.”
Everyone trusted him, his words and his
actions. Sardar Patel continues to be respected across caste, creed, faith,
age!
This year’s Sardar Jayanti is even more
special. With the blessings of 130 crore Indians, the ‘Statue of Unity’ is
being inaugurated today. Situated on the banks of the Narmada, the ‘Statue of
Unity’ is among the tallest in the world. ‘Dharti Putra’ Sardar Patel will stand tall in the
skies, to guide us and inspire us.
I congratulate all those who have worked
day and night to ensure that this grand statue in tribute of Sardar Patel
becomes a reality. My mind goes back to 31st October 2013, when we
laid the foundation stone for this ambitious project. In record time, a project
of such scale has become ready and this should make every Indian proud. I urge
you all to visit the ‘Statue of Unity’ in the times to come.
The ‘Statue of Unity’ is a
symbol of both the unity of hearts and the geographical integrity of our
motherland. It is a reminder that divided, we may not be even able to face
ourselves. United, we can face the world and scale new heights of growth and
glory.
Sardar Patel worked with astonishing
speed to dismantle the history of imperialism and create the geography of unity
with the spirit of nationalism. He saved India from Balkanization and
integrated even the weakest of limbs into the national framework. Today, we,
the 130 crore Indians are working shoulder to shoulder to build a New India
that is strong, prosperous and inclusive. Every decision is being taken to
ensure that the fruits of development reach the most vulnerable, without any
corruption or favouritism, just as Sardar Patel would have wanted it.
Prime
Minister of India
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