Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. (Photo credit: @Eternaldharma_)
New Delhi: In Indian history, October 31 is significant as it marks the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the most prominent freedom fighters. Born on October 31, 1875, in Gujarat’s Nadiad, Patel devoted his life to developing the country and its citizens. Along with several other renowned freedom fighters like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and others, Patel remained the voice of farmers against British Rule. The British Rule bowed down against his strength during Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928, a movement against the raised taxation of farmers by the colonial government. He did not quit the movement despite being arrested, and his property and lands were seized.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas: A tribute to Sardar Patel
Moreover, he remained active in strengthening several other movements, like the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918, the Non-Cooperation Movement, and the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1942, among others. To remember his contribution to nation-building, the centre annually observes National Unity Day, also known as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’, on October 31, on the special occasion of his birthday. While people across the nation are gearing up to mark his birthday on Tuesday, read these prominent words of the Iron Man of India, in which he spoke on special occasions to boost energy among the countrymen.
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The inspiring words of Sardar Patel
“Today we must remove distinctions of high and low, rich and poor, caste or creed,” Sardar Patel spoke on January 21, 1942, while addressing a gathering during the Quit India Movement.
“In a domestic Government unity and co-operation are essential requisites,” he made the statement on March 6, 1949, while making an appeal to the East Punjab Govt. on arrest of Tara Singh.
“No distinctions of caste and creed should hamper us. All are the sons and daughters of India. We should all love our country and build our destiny on mutual love and help,” Patel said on September 19, 1950, while addressing the session of the Maharashtra Youth Congress at Nasik.
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“The negligence of a few could easily send a ship to the bottom, but it required the whole-hearted co-operation of all on board; she could be safely brought to port,” he uttered the words to motivate villagers of Bardoli taluka during the Bardoli Movement on May 14, 1928.
“Non-violence has to be observed in thought, word and deed. The measure of our non-violence will be the measure of our success,” Patel stated while announcing the resumption of the struggle at Rajkot on January 26, 1939.
“One can take the path of revolution, but the revolution should not give a shock to the society. There is no place for violence in revolution,” Patel made the statement on February 19, 1939, while addressing the students of Gujarat Vidyapith to make them understand the difference between violence and revolution.
