Context: The Vice-President recently stated that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s legacy of national integration, strong institutions, and self-reliance forms the philosophical foundation of the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @2047.
Sardar Patel – Key Facts
- India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and first Home Minister.
- Integrated 562 princely states into the Indian Union (1947–50).
- Architect of All India Services (IAS, IPS) → Ensured administrative uniformity.
- Known as the Iron Man of India.
- Led the formation of the Kaira Cooperative Movement, early base for Amul.
- Played a major role in shaping India’s federal structure and internal security architecture.
- Statue of Unity (2018) in Gujarat is the world’s tallest statue.
Linking Patel’s Vision to Present Policies
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
