On the occasion of National Unity Day, India celebrates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabbhai Patel. Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel or Sardar Patel was born on 31 October 1875. He is often referred to as the 'Iron Man of India' who played an instrumental role in the Indian freedom movement. Sardar Patel is credited with unifying the princely states into the Union of India after Independence from British rule in 1947. A barrister, a lawyer served as the first Deputy Prime Minister and first Home Minister of India for a brief period from 1947 to 1950. The world's tallest statue, "The Statue of Unity" is dedicated to him for uniting India. Patel is also remembered as the "patron saint of India's civil servants" for establishing the modern All India Services system. To commemorate National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Divas, we bring to you top 10 inspiring quotes by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:
“Remain united. March forward in all humility, but fully awake to the situation you face, demanding your rights and firmness.”
“Two ways of building character - cultivating the strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.”
“Manpower without unity is not a strength unless it is harmonized and united properly, then it becomes a spiritual power."
“Faith is of no evil in absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work.”
“A war based on Satyagraha is always of two kinds. One is the war we wage against injustice, and the other we fight our won weaknesses.”
“My only desire is that India should be a god producer and no one should be hungry, shedding tears for food in the country."
“Take to the path of dharma – the path of truth and justice. Don’t misuse your valour. Remain united. March forward in all humility, but fully awake to the situation you face, demanding your rights and firmness."
“Work is undoubtedly worship but laughter is life. Any one who takes life too seriously must prepare himself for a miserable existence. Anyone who greets joys and sorrows with equal facility can really get the best of life."
“There is something unique in this soil, which despite many obstacles has always remained the abode of great souls."
“Non-violence has to be observed in thought, word, and deed. The measure of our non-violence will be a measure of our success.”
