Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, also know as “Iron Man of India” or Bismarck of India” was one of the important social and political leaders of India. He was born on October 31, 1875 in Nadiad, a small village in Gujarat. His father Jhaverbhai was a farmer and mother Laad Bai was a simple lady.

One of the greatest contributions of Sardar Patel was to organise the princely states and induct them into the federal structure under the 1950 Constitution. Check out some more Unknown Facts About Patel On His Birth Anniversary from below.

1. No record of Date of Birth:

The actual date of birth of Sardar Patel doesn’t find any official mention in the records. 31 October, the date we follow is on the basis of birth date mentioned on his matriculation examination papers. However, his place of birth is certain to be Karamsad.

2. Attachment with Mahatma Gandhi Ji.

Sardhar Vallabhbhai Patel and Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi relationship is very close that can be explained from the fact that after Gandhiji’s death his health also started decline and with in two months he suffered an massive heart attack which he could not survive.

3. Guarantee Payment of Privy Purses

Patel persuaded the Constituent Assembly to guarantee payment of Privy Purses. This would have preserved the rights of erstwhile rulers. But, Congress rejected the proposal outrightly.

4. A true friend

When bubonic plague broke out in Gujarat in the 1930s, Patel acting against popular advice, went to take care of his friend who was infected. This resulted in him contracting the disease himself. He stayed in seclusion at a dilapidated temple in Nadiad until he recovered.

5. Always rooted to the ground

Patel worked in the fields with his father and observed a day long fast twice a month. His humble background always made him have a soft corner in his heart for the poor of the country.

6. Absolute commitment to his duties

In 1909, Patel’s wife passed away in hospital after a surgical operation. The news was broken to him while he was questioning a witness at court. Instead of reacting, he continued with the proceedings and broke the news to others after the court had adjourned.

7. Opposed existence of RSS:

A fact that very few Indians know if at all, that the first Home Minister of independent India (Patel) implemented a ban on the RSS for their alleged role in Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination and for acts of violence against the minority community.

8. Nation before self

Despite Gandhi’s well-known preference for Nehru as Congress president, not a single Congress committee in India nominated Nehru’s name in 1946. On the contrary, the overwhelming majority was in favour of Sardar Patel. Nehru made it clear that he would not work under the leadership of anybody. ardar Patel had immense respect for Gandhi and he withdrew his candidature in deference to his wish.

9. Foresight

Patel had written a letter in November 1950 to Nehru warning him of the dangers of China’s ambitions in the north of India. Unfortunately the Prime Minister paid no heed and this finally proved disastrous when we had a humiliating defeat to the Chinese in the 1962 war.

10. Patron Saint of India civil servants:

Sardar Patel always believed that due to extensive diversity and multiple cultures & languages, India needs a strong bureaucratic set up. He played a constructive role in creation of Indian Administrative Services (IAS).