THE ROAR OF THE IRON MAN: WHEN SARDAR PATEL UNITED INDIA

THE ROAR OF THE IRON MAN: WHEN SARDAR PATEL UNITED INDIA

15-AUG-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------When India became independent in 1947, there was an atmosphere of happiness on one side and on the other side there was a deep silence about the future of the country. After the departure of British rule, India was divided into not one but 562 different princely states. Some of these wanted to keep themselves independent, some wanted to join Pakistan, and the threat of the country breaking up loomed from all sides. This was a challenge that could shake the foundations of any nation.

But then a person came forward, whose foresight, diplomacy and indomitable will transformed this scattered India into a strong and united nation. He was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whom people fondly called the 'Iron Man of India'.

Patel knew that this problem could not be solved by force alone. He made negotiation and persuasion his biggest weapon. He started meeting the kings and nawabs of the princely states and convinced them that joining the Indian Union was the best option for their and their people's future. He prepared a legal document called the 'Instrument of Accession' and got the kings to sign it, making the princely states a part of India one by one.

Together with officials like V.P. Menon, Patel devised a strategy in which each princely state was handled according to its needs and circumstances. During this time, Lord Mountbatten also supported him and explained to the kings how vulnerable they would be as an independent country.

Although most princely states understood Patel's efforts and voluntarily joined India, some adopted an adamant attitude. This is where Patel's identity as an 'Iron Man' came to the fore.

Junagadh:The Nawab of Junagadh refused to merge with India under the influence of Pakistan. Patel took immediate action and sent police there, after which the Nawab fled to Pakistan. Later, in a referendum, the people there decided to join India with a huge majority.

Hyderabad: The Nizam of Hyderabad also tried to maintain his independence and formed a private army called 'Razakar', which promoted communal violence. Patel sent the Indian Army under 'Operation Polo' to end this chaos, and within a few days Hyderabad became an integral part of India.

In this way, Sardar Patel, with his wisdom and determination, brought together a vast area of 5 lakh square miles and more than 8.5 crore people. He not only integrated India geographically, but also instilled the feeling of a strong nation among the people.

This contribution of Sardar Patel is an invaluable achievement in Indian history. His foresight and his dedication to the nation is the foundation on which today's united and strong India stands.