In the challenging year of 1917, the Kheda district in Gujarat faced a triple threat of drought, floods, and a devastating plague. Amidst this adversity, Mahatma Gandhi and Vallabhbhai Patel emerged as leaders, spearheading a successful satyagraha to secure tax relief for the struggling farmers. This movement, known as the Kheda Satyagraha, marked a significant step in India’s fight for independence.
The Kheda Satyagraha, a testament to the collective strength of the people, saw farmers pushing back against the British authorities’ insistence on higher taxes, even as the region grappled with natural calamities and disease. Patel, a lawyer who had recently returned from London, became Mahatma Gandhi’s trusted lieutenant in this crucial campaign. The movement’s success not only provided relief to the farmers but also solidified Patel’s reputation as a powerful advocate for their rights.
This success was followed by other significant peasant movements led by Patel in Gujarat, including the Borsad Satyagraha in 1923 and the Bardoli Satyagraha in 1928. These campaigns further established him as a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement and earned him the revered title ‘Sardar’, meaning leader.
Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Kheda, Patel hailed from a family of modest farmers. His early life in Karamsad and later education in Nadiad and Petlad laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
Patel’s ancestral home in Nadiad remains a place where his legacy is kept alive. His descendants, like Pradeep Desai, continue to cherish and protect the property, ensuring that the history of his contributions is not forgotten. The house attracts visitors from far and wide, including political leaders from across the spectrum, highlighting the enduring respect for Patel’s work.
The impact of Sardar Patel is profoundly felt throughout Gujarat, from educational institutions like Vallabh Vidyanagar to the colossal Statue of Unity. His vision extended to urban development as well. As President of the Ahmedabad Municipality from 1924 to 1928, he spearheaded urban planning, modernized infrastructure, and ensured municipal services were conducted efficiently and in Gujarati.
His leadership during the devastating floods of 1927 in Ahmedabad showcased his remarkable disaster management skills, turning chaos into order—a skill he later applied on a national scale to unify India’s princely states. Patel also championed cooperative initiatives, such as the Kochrab Housing Society, setting a precedent for cooperative movements that continue to thrive in Gujarat.
The Gujarat Club in Ahmedabad holds historical significance as the site of the first meeting between Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi in 1915. This encounter marked the beginning of a profound association that would significantly shape India’s journey towards independence.