“There is something unique in this soil, which, despite many obstacles, has always remained the abode of great souls.” ―Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
I am incredibly excited to share with you that I received the 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015 for Lifetime Achievement in the field of "Excellence in Youth Development” on October 31, 2016, which coincides with my birth anniversary. I received this award from Mr. Bimal Prasad Singh, the former Governor of Sikkim, in New Delhi, India. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Foundation gives away these awards annually to various achievers for their contributions. It is a great honor to receive this prestigious international award, as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is one of the leaders I admire the most.
This award is recognition of my services and contributions to youth development and youth empowerment. I started a nonprofit, Vision 2030: One Million Global Leaders, to build one million students as global leaders, and I have trained more than 50,000 students as global leaders. URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.htmlI am passionate about developing students as global leaders, and I dedicate this award to global youth who are the real power and on whose shoulders the future of the world depends.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Profile
“In the history of this country, there has never been such consolidation as has been today. Indian history has shown in the past and, if we take a lesson from past history, then it is our duty to preserve and consolidate the hard-earned freedom for which many people have made tremendous sacrifices.” ― Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel was born on 31 October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat, India. He was a farmer by birth. He became a lawyer and freedom fighter and is revered as the ‘Iron Man of India.’ He is affectionately called Sardar (chief or leader in English) Vallabhbhai Patel in India. He rose from humble origins. Mahatma Gandhi was his mentor. He was a man of very few words and was firm in his convictions. He played a crucial role in India’s Independence along with other leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
I admire Sardar Patel for his exemplary leadership and willpower. As India’s first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, he contributed greatly to India’s unity and integrity. His heroic role in integrating princely states to Indian Federation is commendable. He demonstrated his political brilliance by integrating the Hyderabad state (Nizam) through police action. He was a charismatic leader who could inspire people to join India’s freedom struggle. He demonstrated it many times, including the Kheda and Bardoli agitations. His birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day in India. He died on 15 December 1950. Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel was conferred with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor, in 1991. The Indian Government began celebrating his birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) in 2014.
Leadership Lessons from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
“Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work.” ― Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
There are several leadership lessons to learn from him. Here are some of them:
Be Bold: He was a bold leader who did not hesitate to make tough decisions in pre-Independent and post-Independent India. He led from the front without any fear or favor. He was unconcerned about unhealthy criticism. He was courageous to integrate Hyderabad and Junagarh, whose leaders resisted joining India. He became a role model and inspiration for other freedom fighters in India for his courageous decisions.
Be Clear, Firm, and Determined: He was clear, firm, and determined without any wavering mind. He was a team leader and an amazing organization builder. He was decisive and believed in straightforward leadership.
Be a Decision-Maker: He was a decision-maker. He proved critics wrong who predicted that India would disintegrate soon after acquiring independence. He successfully integrated all princely Indian states into the Indian Union. He advocated Indian civil services strongly and stood firmly when there was severe criticism against it. Hence, he is also known as the "Patron saint of India's civil servants."
Be a Strategist: He was a great strategist with a strong vision to integrate India as one nation and as a strong nation. His vision and strategy laid the foundation stones for a strong and vibrant India. Additionally, he was a troubleshooter who showed the right direction to the nation after attaining independence. He is highly admired for accomplishing the integration of princely states in India.
Adopt Carrot and Stick Policy: He was a practical leader who bridged the gap between idealism and realism. He offered carrots to princely states to integrate them into the Indian Union. He adopted a stick policy for those who failed to fall in line.
Be an Effective Negotiator: He was a skillful negotiator who built consensus amongst the different castes and communities through trust and transparency. He could carry all sections of people with his persuasion and negotiation skills. Jawaharlal Nehru once remarked, "Sardar Patel’s name will live forever in history. He is the Architect of Modern India. He was a wise counselor in the hour of trial, a trustworthy friend, and a mine of courage and inspiration."
Learn when to Hold and when to Fold: He knew when to hold and when to fold. Once he made a decision, he never looked back. He moved forward irrespective of the outcome. Most of his decisions were successful. He had the courage and conviction. That is why he is also known as the ‘Bismarck of India.’
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a unique freedom fighter who had the moral courage to oppose great leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, on ideological issues. Several nations failed to address their challenges when they acquired independence because they did not have leaders like Sardar Patel.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, Indian history books did not give due attention and recognition to Sardar Patel for his contribution. They focused more on the achievements of Nehru, not Sardar Patel. Although Nehru’s contribution cannot be underestimated, Sardar’s contribution is equally relevant and significant, and he needs to be given due recognition and respect for his extraordinary contribution.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a phenomenal leader of India. His actions spoke louder than words. He was the most powerful man of his time. He is remembered for his political brilliance, sacrifices, and services. He was a great patriot and nationalist. His spirit is still alive, energizing and guiding India currently. We need more Sardar Patels to inspire Indian youth. Indian youth must learn lessons from Sardar Patel to work for national unity and integrity.
In spite of having ideological differences with Pundit Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel worked with team spirit to ensure a smooth transition from the pre-independence to the post-independence era. We Indians are proud to have such a great nationalist and patriot. He was one of the tallest Indian freedom fighters who will be remembered forever for his contributions. We must emulate his ideas and ideals to build a secular, strong, and united India. Jai Hind!
“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.” ― Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
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