Tribute to Sardar Patel

Author(s): Friends of Sardar Patel Awrd Association UCLA
Publisher: USA Friends of Sardar Patel Awrd Association UCLA

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out these very difficult negotiations made it possible to find a solution." All the princes had entered into agreement with the paramount power end all were jealous of their rights and privileges. To persuade such a motly crowd to come to terms with the new India was a Herculean task. Sardar Patel appealed to their sense of patriotism and said: "We are at a momentous stage in the history of India. By common endeavor we can raise the country to a new greatness while lack of unity will espouse us to fresh calamities. I hope the Indian States will be aware that anarchy and chaos will overwhelm great and small in a
common ruin if we are unable to act together in the minimum of common tasks.
UN Dhebar in a commemorative lecture on Sardar
Patel on September 5, 1975 said: "His contribution is oftentimes compared to that of Bismarck of Germany. If one goes, however, into the history of Germany as related by H.G. Wells, one would understand the great difference between the two. First the integration of states that took place in India was on a much vaster scale. Secondly, it had to be worked out in much greater depth in India. Thirdly, there were quantitative differences in the process adopted in the two countries."
Sardar Patel is remembered for his heroism and courage in accomplishing an indomitable task-that of unifying and creating a strong nation from a divided, impoverished country. He was a unique visionary who saw in India and its people a unique sense of individuality. yet recognized that without unity the strength of its people would not exist.
The Sardar is to many a hero and is often referred to as an "Iron Man". However, being born in America, I and having grown up here, it is difficult for me to reconcile this image. Having only learned about Sardar Patel recently, I have come to realize how important his contributions were to India and to the state of Gujarat in particular. I have renewed pride in the heritage and history of Gujarat and India. I also have new hope that other leaders like Sardar Patel will bring India to a path of greatness and prosperity. While at this time, India is enduring many changes and the people are experiencing turmoil, I now have more faith that others will fol low in the footsteps of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and other leaders like him, such that this turbulent time will soon come to an end.
Gaden's Leadership
By Sarita Vasa
As I am learning about leadership, I find myself asking many ques tions. I constantly wonder, what kind of leadership will be the most effective? What kind of leadership will create a structure that is self-sustainable? Which kind of leadership will touch the most people? I was surprised to see that many of the answers to my questions about leadership can be answered through the actions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Through Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's life, I am able to see how some of the best leaders are invisible. I find myself shocked by how much he did, and how little people know about him..
It is amazing to me that Sardar Patel is responsible for bringing 565 princely states into the Indian Union, leading to the creation of modern India. I can't even begin to imagine the time, dedication and talent that such a task must have taken. And, I also cannot imagine what the fate of India would be without the contributions of Sardar Patel.
It makes me proud to know that in Sardar Patel's honor, an award is being created at UCLA for the best doctoral dissertation on Modern India. As a UCLA Alum, I am excited to come from a school that is dedicating time, energy and resources into a worthwhile activity. It is expected that this kind of award will initiate change upon how India is viewed in the United States, and how policy towards India is formulated. And, ultimately, each of these dissertations will create the framework for activism, which was the trademark of Sardar Patel's work.
As a UCLA Alum, I am excited
to come from a school that is dedicating time, energy and resources into a worthwhile activity.
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