Meet the 93-year-old architect behind the World’s tallest statue - Ram Vanji Sutar

The first half of 1947 was a critical period in India’s history. The end of colonial rule was certain and so was India’s Partition, but what was uncertain was whether there would be more than one division. Prices were rising, food shortages were common but over and above everything else, the unity of India was under severe strain.

It was in these circumstances that the states department came into being in June 1947. Among the chief aims of this department was to give impetus and top priority to negotiations vis-à-vis India’s relationship with the over 550 Princely States, which were as diverse as they could get, be it in size, population, terrain or economic situation. No wonder Mahatma Gandhi remarked, “The problem of the states is so difficult that you alone can solve it.”

In vintage Sardar Patel style, he went about his work with precision, firmness and administrative efficiency. Time was less and the task was Herculean, but this was no ordinary person, it was Sardar Patel, who was determined not to let his nation down. One by one, he and his team negotiated with the princely states and ensured that they all became a part of free India. It was due to the round the clock effort of Sardar Patel that the map of India is what it is today.

Once freedom was won, VP Menon, it is said, wanted to retire from government service, only to be told by Sardar Patel that this was neither the time to rest nor the time to retire. Such was Sardar Patel’s firm resolve. VP Menon was made the Secretary of the States Department. In his book The Story of the Integration of Indian States, he writes about how Sardar Patel led from the front and inspired the entire team to work assiduously.

On August 15, 1947, we celebrated the dawn of a new destiny, but the work of nation building was far from complete. As independent India’s first home minister, he set the stage for an administrative framework that continues to serve the nation, be it in matters of day to day governance and protecting the interests of the people, particularly the poor and marginalised.

Sardar Patel was a veteran administrator. His own experience in governance, particularly in the 1920s, when he served the Ahmedabad municipality, was extremely handy when he worked towards strengthening independent India’s administrative framework. While in Ahmedabad, he did commendable work in furthering cleanliness in the city. He ensured clean and functioning drainage systems across the city.

Today, if India is known for a vibrant cooperative sector, a large part of the credit goes to Sardar Patel. The roots of Amul can be traced back to his vision for empowering local communities, particularly women. It was Sardar Patel who also popularised the idea of cooperative housing societies, thus ensuring dignity and shelter for many.

Two traits synonymous with Sardar Patel are trust and integrity. The farmers of India had unparalleled faith in him. After all, he was a ‘Kisan Putra’ who led from the front during the Bardoli Satyagraha. The working class saw him as a ray of hope, a leader who would speak up for them. Traders and industrialists preferred to work with Sardar Patel because they felt here was a stalwart who had a vision for India’s economic and industrial growth.

His political peers too trusted him. Acharya Kripalani remarked that whenever they faced an issue and if Bapu’s guidance was not available, they would turn to Sardar Patel. When political negotiations were at their peak in 1947, Sarojini Naidu called him “the man of decision and man of action”.

This year’s Sardar Jayanti is even more special. With the blessings of 130 crore Indians, the ‘Statue of Unity’ is being inaugurated today. Situated on the banks of the Narmada, the ‘Statue of Unity’ is the tallest in the world. ‘Dharti Putra’ Sardar Patel will stand tall in the skies, to guide us and inspire us.

I congratulate all those who have worked day and night to ensure that this grand statue as a tribute to Sardar Patel becomes a reality. My mind goes back to October 31, 2013, when we laid the foundation stone for this ambitious project. In record time, a project of such a scale has become ready and this should make every Indian proud. I urge you all to visit the ‘Statue of Unity’ in the times to come.

The ‘Statue of Unity’ is a symbol of both the unity of hearts and the geographical integrity of our motherland. It is a reminder that divided, we may not be even able to face ourselves. United, we can face the world and scale new heights of growth and glory.

Sardar Patel worked with astonishing speed to dismantle the history of imperialism and create the geography of unity with the spirit of nationalism. He saved India from Balkanisation and integrated even the weakest of limbs into the national framework. Today, we, the 130 crore Indians are working shoulder to shoulder to build a New India that is strong, prosperous and inclusive. Every decision is being taken to ensure that the fruits of development reach the most vulnerable, without any corruption or favouritism, just as Sardar Patel would have wanted it. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-sardar-patel-the-great-unifier-and-maker-of-modern-india-2681050">original article</a>)

The first half of 1947 was a critical period in India’s history. The end of colonial rule was certain and so was India’s Partition, but what was uncertain was whether there would be more than one division.

The first half of 1947 was a critical period in India’s history. The end of colonial rule was certain and so was India’s Partition, but what was uncertain was whether there would be more than one division. Prices were rising, food shortages were common but over and above everything else, the unity of India was under severe strain. It was in these circumstances that the states department came into being in June 1947. Among the chief aims of this department was to give impetus and top priority to negotiations vis-à-vis India’s relationship with the over 550 Princely States, which were as diverse as they could get, be it in size, population, terrain or economic situation. No wonder Mahatma Gandhi remarked, “The problem of the states is so difficult that you alone can solve it.” In vintage Sardar Patel style, he went about his work with precision, firmness and administrative efficiency. Time was less and the task was Herculean, but this was no ordinary person, it was Sardar Patel, who was determined not to let his nation down. One by one, he and his team negotiated with the princely states and ensured that they all became a part of free India. It was due to the round the clock effort of Sardar Patel that the map of India is what it is today. Once freedom was won, VP Menon, it is said, wanted to retire from government service, only to be told by Sardar Patel that this was neither the time to rest nor the time to retire. Such was Sardar Patel’s firm resolve. VP Menon was made the Secretary of the States Department. In his book The Story of the Integration of Indian States, he writes about how Sardar Patel led from the front and inspired the entire team to work assiduously. On August 15, 1947, we celebrated the dawn of a new destiny, but the work of nation building was far from complete. As independent India’s first home minister, he set the stage for an administrative framework that continues to serve the nation, be it in matters of day to day governance and protecting the interests of the people, particularly the poor and marginalised. Sardar Patel was a veteran administrator. His own experience in governance, particularly in the 1920s, when he served the Ahmedabad municipality, was extremely handy when he worked towards strengthening independent India’s administrative framework. While in Ahmedabad, he did commendable work in furthering cleanliness in the city. He ensured clean and functioning drainage systems across the city. Today, if India is known for a vibrant cooperative sector, a large part of the credit goes to Sardar Patel. The roots of Amul can be traced back to his vision for empowering local communities, particularly women. It was Sardar Patel who also popularised the idea of cooperative housing societies, thus ensuring dignity and shelter for many. Two traits synonymous with Sardar Patel are trust and integrity. The farmers of India had unparalleled faith in him. After all, he was a ‘Kisan Putra’ who led from the front during the Bardoli Satyagraha. The working class saw him as a ray of hope, a leader who would speak up for them. Traders and industrialists preferred to work with Sardar Patel because they felt here was a stalwart who had a vision for India’s economic and industrial growth. His political peers too trusted him. Acharya Kripalani remarked that whenever they faced an issue and if Bapu’s guidance was not available, they would turn to Sardar Patel. When political negotiations were at their peak in 1947, Sarojini Naidu called him “the man of decision and man of action”. This year’s Sardar Jayanti is even more special. With the blessings of 130 crore Indians, the ‘Statue of Unity’ is being inaugurated today. Situated on the banks of the Narmada, the ‘Statue of Unity’ is the tallest in the world. ‘Dharti Putra’ Sardar Patel will stand tall in the skies, to guide us and inspire us. I congratulate all those who have worked day and night to ensure that this grand statue as a tribute to Sardar Patel becomes a reality. My mind goes back to October 31, 2013, when we laid the foundation stone for this ambitious project. In record time, a project of such a scale has become ready and this should make every Indian proud. I urge you all to visit the ‘Statue of Unity’ in the times to come. The ‘Statue of Unity’ is a symbol of both the unity of hearts and the geographical integrity of our motherland. It is a reminder that divided, we may not be even able to face ourselves. United, we can face the world and scale new heights of growth and glory. Sardar Patel worked with astonishing speed to dismantle the history of imperialism and create the geography of unity with the spirit of nationalism. He saved India from Balkanisation and integrated even the weakest of limbs into the national framework. Today, we, the 130 crore Indians are working shoulder to shoulder to build a New India that is strong, prosperous and inclusive. Every decision is being taken to ensure that the fruits of development reach the most vulnerable, without any corruption or favouritism, just as Sardar Patel would have wanted it. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article)

Sardar Patel — the great unifier and maker of modern India: A tribute by PM Modi

The Statue of Unity celebrates Sardar Patel’s contribution in nation building.

Today his life is being limited to the last three years of his life but Patel was much more than that. He was a man of many shades. He remained loyal to both Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Congress party till the end. He tried his best to reconcile Gandhian ideal with the realities of post-independent India where he had to deal with warring political interests and royalties who never wanted to be part of the Indian republic. 
 
Sardar Patel was one of the pillars of the Congress in the freedom struggle. He played an instrumental role in building the Congress party. Sardar Patel not only stoically carried out the instruction of Gandhi but also often stepped aside when Mahatma wanted.

It is for this reason that more than twice Patel could not become the president of the Congress because Gandhi preferred another candidate. Sardar Patel was also instrumental in mobilising funds for the Congress during the colonial struggle. He was neither left-leaning like Nehru and Bose nor a revolutionary and neither communal in his approach when it came to communities. His politics was rooted in the practicality of life. He accepted the social importance of village life, the power of capital, the importance of state violence against adversary and relevance of Gandhian principle at the same time. He was clear and sometimes inconsistent at the same time.&nbsp;

But it was true of almost all leaders as their political views were evolving with changing circumstances.

Sardar Patel’s Bardoli satyagraha was a feat in itself. He not only built the Congress from grassroots in Gujarat but also ensured that Gandhian view strictly imposed on the party which was an umbrella organisation for the majority of people fighting against British colonialism. He neglected his family. He had difference of opinion with both Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru. 
 
He also differed with Gandhi on a number of issues but never allowed it to become an issue. He never left the Congress nor allowed the differences to become a hurdle in penultimate objective; freedom and integration of India into a union of states.

Unfortunately, Sardar Patel’s legacy is being tied to a big if. Patel never saw himself as a victim. Despite&nbsp;difference of opinion and open spat with Nehru, he never challenged his leadership. Patel was not a fallen hero. He remained a Congressman till the end. Many forget that he even banned RSS and went hammer and tong against them. It is a great injustice to call Sardar Patel a leader who had shades of right. He had none.

Today political parties are trying to milk contribution of founding fathers of the republic. The achievements are being limited to the current political narrative. These legacy is being milked for electoral ends. It becomes easier for other political parties as Congress over a period of time turned into a conglomeration of families. The top accommodates Gandhis and rest come thereafter.

It is because of this neglect, Sardar Patel, Bose and Ambedkar are out for the taking today.

It is important to remember that Sardar Patel was the Congress inner circle. He was never an outsider to any decision. He rallied with Gandhi even when others had doubt on Gandhi’s capacity to lead the struggle. Patel’s commitment to the Congress was complete. 
 
He never left the party nor contested any wish of Gandhi nor challenged Nehru once he became the Prime Minister. Bose and Ambedkar had a strained relationship with the Congress. Bose had to start his new outfit as Gandhi ensured that could not continue as the president of the Congress and Ambedkar could never forgive Gandhi for the compromise he made which came to be known as Poona Pact.

Gandhi did not allow castes falling under the Schedule Caste category to be taken out of Hinduism.&nbsp;

The three leaders which BJP wants to adopt had a substantial relationship with the Congress. Only Bose and Ambedkar charted a different course. Sardar Patel never did so.

Patel’s contributions remain many. Without his support, it would have been impossible for Nehru to function in the initial years. It would be impossible for Gandhi to implement his vision on the Congress Party. It would have been very difficult for the party to raise funds for the Congress. Patel was an assurance to the new industry as Nehru was leaning towards left.

Lastly, despite being the first home minister, Patel never created a state with totalitarian powers. He created a strong state without dictatorial leanings. His politics was rooted in the practicality of life that made a difference to both the pre-colonial Congress and modern India. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Statue of Unity celebrates Sardar Patel’s contribution in nation building. Today his life is being limited to the last three years of his life but Patel was much more than that.

The Statue of Unity celebrates Sardar Patel’s contribution in nation building. Today his life is being limited to the last three years of his life but Patel was much more than that. He was a man of many shades. He remained loyal to both Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Congress party till the end. He tried his best to reconcile Gandhian ideal with the realities of post-independent India where he had to deal with warring political interests and royalties who never wanted to be part of the Indian republic. Sardar Patel was one of the pillars of the Congress in the freedom struggle. He played an instrumental role in building the Congress party. Sardar Patel not only stoically carried out the instruction of Gandhi but also often stepped aside when Mahatma wanted. It is for this reason that more than twice Patel could not become the president of the Congress because Gandhi preferred another candidate. Sardar Patel was also instrumental in mobilising funds for the Congress during the colonial struggle. He was neither left-leaning like Nehru and Bose nor a revolutionary and neither communal in his approach when it came to communities. His politics was rooted in the practicality of life. He accepted the social importance of village life, the power of capital, the importance of state violence against adversary and relevance of Gandhian principle at the same time. He was clear and sometimes inconsistent at the same time. But it was true of almost all leaders as their political views were evolving with changing circumstances. Sardar Patel’s Bardoli satyagraha was a feat in itself. He not only built the Congress from grassroots in Gujarat but also ensured that Gandhian view strictly imposed on the party which was an umbrella organisation for the majority of people fighting against British colonialism. He neglected his family. He had difference of opinion with both Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru. He also differed with Gandhi on a number of issues but never allowed it to become an issue. He never left the Congress nor allowed the differences to become a hurdle in penultimate objective; freedom and integration of India into a union of states. Unfortunately, Sardar Patel’s legacy is being tied to a big if. Patel never saw himself as a victim. Despite difference of opinion and open spat with Nehru, he never challenged his leadership. Patel was not a fallen hero. He remained a Congressman till the end. Many forget that he even banned RSS and went hammer and tong against them. It is a great injustice to call Sardar Patel a leader who had shades of right. He had none. Today political parties are trying to milk contribution of founding fathers of the republic. The achievements are being limited to the current political narrative. These legacy is being milked for electoral ends. It becomes easier for other political parties as Congress over a period of time turned into a conglomeration of families. The top accommodates Gandhis and rest come thereafter. It is because of this neglect, Sardar Patel, Bose and Ambedkar are out for the taking today. It is important to remember that Sardar Patel was the Congress inner circle. He was never an outsider to any decision. He rallied with Gandhi even when others had doubt on Gandhi’s capacity to lead the struggle. Patel’s commitment to the Congress was complete. He never left the party nor contested any wish of Gandhi nor challenged Nehru once he became the Prime Minister. Bose and Ambedkar had a strained relationship with the Congress. Bose had to start his new outfit as Gandhi ensured that could not continue as the president of the Congress and Ambedkar could never forgive Gandhi for the compromise he made which came to be known as Poona Pact. Gandhi did not allow castes falling under the Schedule Caste category to be taken out of Hinduism. The three leaders which BJP wants to adopt had a substantial relationship with the Congress. Only Bose and Ambedkar charted a different course. Sardar Patel never did so. Patel’s contributions remain many. Without his support, it would have been impossible for Nehru to function in the initial years. It would be impossible for Gandhi to implement his vision on the Congress Party. It would have been very difficult for the party to raise funds for the Congress. Patel was an assurance to the new industry as Nehru was leaning towards left. Lastly, despite being the first home minister, Patel never created a state with totalitarian powers. He created a strong state without dictatorial leanings. His politics was rooted in the practicality of life that made a difference to both the pre-colonial Congress and modern India. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Sardar Patel: The man of many shades

Anil Sutar, the son of 'Statue of Unity' sculptor, works behind the scene to create gigantic dreams possible