Nationalism Simplified: an Ode to Sardar Vallabhai Patel
Near the town of Kevadia, in Gujarat, stands the proud-yet-humble statue of Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Indian Independence activist of the Indian struggle, the first Deputy Prime Minister and home minister of independent India. This is the Statue of Unity; National Unity Day is celebrated in India on 31 October to commemorate the beliefs and ideas of unity since 2014. This statue is the world’s largest Statue standing at a staggering 182 meters (597 feet, for the American Folks!)
The architect, a 98-year-old gentleman, Shri Ram V. Sutar, is a master in his craft, a very skilled sculptor is the man behind the public commemorative monument of the Indian sentiment of the struggle for independence.
I know I am no philosopher, not a person of fancy words. But I do relay know I am a proud Indian Youth coming from the diversity of the masses in my motherland.
What comes to our minds, when we see young cricketers in their blue shirts, while they give the blood, sweat and tears in the cricket grounds? What about when we see vigilant warriors, the Indian Army soldiers posted on our nation’s borders, whether it be a barre or an icy geographical terrain?
Certainly! We naturally get this feeling of Unity from within our hearts, from we feel proud of our brothers and sisters, and mothers and fathers. This confers us with a sense of national security and Harmony.
This is what nationalism is all about.
Who etched this strong concept critically in our Minds? It is none other than, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a great freedom fighter. This man still amazes us and opens our eyes to the vast diversity of Mother India.
We Indians, are the sons and daughters of the elegant, ever-green lands of the nation. We come from diverse lands. We come from the deep river valleys, breath-taking nooks of mountains, majestic deserts and from amongst the mildew of the coasts. Yet, we are united. In Diversity Lies Unity!
THE PATEL EVOLUTION TO SARDAR
Now, How did Vallabhai Patel evolve into Sardar?
Well, this modest man was the reason why the common “incapable” masses threw down a deeply rooted tangled British institutional mess and revolted against the unjust increasing agricultural tax on farmers and their produce in Bardohi, (now in Jharkhand). The simpleton-yet-pure-hearted farmers adored him and treasured him with the name Sardar, which means, a leader who treats everyone with equality.
Because of Sardar, farmers now live in dignity and the masses call them AnnDevata, that is, Gods of Grain.
We've learnt to respect them, These farmers are the most hardworking field super-heroes, servicemen of our nation.
SARDAR AND INDEPENDENT INDIA
But his attributions don't just stop here. There is more. Let us talk about the tales of his heroism after the British Raj.
After the Indian Independence, India and Pakistan were divided. But if we take a glimpse and compare both countries, both of them show different stories. There's a stark contrast between the geo-political stability of these nations.
Princely states were granted the autonomy and decision of either being an independent nation-state or a part of either of the countries. Fast Forward, Currently, it is justified to say how Sardar prevented the oppression of a likewise ‘Balochistan’ (a region in Pakistan, which originally chose to be an independent nation-state, State of Kalat, incorporated on 27 March 1948), in India.
His active service and involvement in the Indian history of Independence is indeed unmatchable.
If today we are one, Patel is the foundation.
The country that is mine, which extends to tremendous miles: Is Patel’s Craft.
Let us commemorate his 148th birth anniversary with pride and an aim for a better and secure future flourishing with nationalistic unity among our brothers and sisters, for generations to come.
Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!
