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Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel
The great freedom fighter and ‘Iron Man of India’, Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, was born on 31 October 1875 in Nadiad, Maharashtra. After meeting Gandhi ji and at his encouragement, Vallabhbhai Patel gave up his successful career in advocacy to fight for the Independence of India.
As a leader his first movement was at Kheda district in Gujarat where he ran a door-to-door campaign and persuaded people to not to pay taxes as there was a famine and spread of plague in the district; the movement became very successful and British had to accept their demands of tax relief; thus emerged one of the greatest leaders of our freedom struggle. Later on, Vallabhbhai Patel devoted himself completely in various freedom movements such as Bardoli Satyagrah, Non-cooperation movement, Quit India movement etc. He was a trusted and loyal soldier of Gandhi ji and always remained true to his teachings. Because of his enormous popularity with masses he was accorded with the title of ‘Sardar’ by the people.
After Independence, the role played by Sardar Patel was even more important in the making of Indian nation; he was the first deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India; through his relentless efforts and iron-will, he integrated more than 600 Princely States into Indian the federation of India. And for this unforgettable service to the nation his name will always be remembered with reverence.
Sardar Patel died on 15 December 1950. He was awarded with the Bharat Ratna in the year 1991 as a tribute to his services to the Nation.
Also Check: Essay on Statue of Unity
Bharat Ratna Award
The highest civilian award of the Republic of India is known as BHARAT RATNA. It came into existence on 2nd January 1954. The award was in recognition of extraordinary performance in the field of literature, science, public services, and arts only. This award belongs to all people of India without any discrimination of sex, race, and age. Previously award belonged to only limited criteria but in December 2011 the criteria were changed to include all fields of human endeavour.
Maximum 3 nominees may be awarded per year and recommendations for the same are specially made by the PM to the President. A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf are the only two things being given to the recipients; no money is granted with the award.
In the Indian order of precedence, the Bharat Ratna award comes in the seventh position. But Bharat Ratna recipients are constitutionally prohibited to use the award name as the title as per Article 18 of the Constitution of India.
Since 1954, 44 distinguished individuals have been awarded this prestigious and highest civilian award in the country.
