The Iron Man of India

His life

Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel (October 31, 1875–December 15, 1950), popularly referred to as Sardar Patel ("Sardar" stands for "Chief" or "Leader"), was an Indian statesman, core leader of the Indian Independence Movement and of the Indian National Congress. (an organization formed during the freedom struggle)

He was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, India. His father and mother were Jhaverbhai Patel and Ladba.

At the age of 36, he journeyed to England and enrolled at the Middle Temple Inn in London. Finishing a 36 month course in 30 months, Vallabhbhai topped his class (which is remarkable for a non-Englishman of no college or city education experience, despite his professional credentials). He returned to the Gujarati city of Ahmedabad, and became one of the city's most sought-after and prominent barristers.

Personal life

Vallabhbhai Patel was an extremely reserved man committed to his family and friends. After joining the freedom struggle, he would frequently live in Gandhi's ashrams, or with his close friends in Gujarat. From the 1920s till his death, his daughter Manibehn Patel would closely attend to his personal needs and often act as a right-arm.

"Hall of Heroes." 1 Nov. 2005 <http://sarvadharma.org/Museum/heroes/sardarpatel.htm>.
"Sardar Patel." FreeIndia. 1 Nov. 2005 <http://www.freeindia.org/biographies/freedomfighters/sardarpatel/>.
"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2 Nov. 2005 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardar_Patel>.

Photos: "Sardar01.jpg". Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India. Fairuse (Government of India)

"bratna1.jpg". http://www.igmint.org/photo1.htm. New India Government Mint.

Research and Animation : Akshay B., Sanskriti School
Background: Noa, Ein Ganim School