Wikipedia:Today's featured article/October 10, 2006

Vallabhbhai Patel in Bardoli, 1928

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was an Indian political and social leader, who played a major role in the country's struggle for independence, and guided its political integration to a united, independent nation. Raised in the countryside of Gujarat, Vallabhbhai Patel was a self-educated and successful Gujarati lawyer, when he was inspired by the work and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. As the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India, Patel organized relief efforts for refugees in Punjab and Delhi, and led efforts to restore peace across the nation. Patel took charge of the task to forge a united India from the 565 semi-autonomous princely states and British-era colonial provinces and possessions. Using frank diplomacy backed with the option (and the use) of military action, Patel's leadership enabled the accession of almost every princely state. (more...)

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