After India gained its independence, a new political regime came into place to hold the dominion status. Thus, Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel was the first Home Minister of India. He took charge of the department in July 1947 as well as he served as the first Deputy Prime Minister from 1947 to 1950. Sardar Patel worked tirelessly for merging and for the unification of Princely states in India. In this blog, let us get to know more about the first home minister of India.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and His Contribution
The first Home Minister of Independent India is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also famously known as the “Iron Man of India” and “ Unifier of India”. He unified nearly 567 princely states to form the Union of India after independence.
- He was an important figure in the Indian National Congress and had worked alongside Mahatma Gandhi to mobilize the masses in the fight against British oppression.
- He started his political career by actively taking part in non-violent civil disobedience movements like during Kheda Satyagraha and Bardoli Satyagraha in Gujrat.
- He also played an important role in the Salt Satyagraha and Quit India Movement.
- Patel’s tactful negotiations with the British during the independence struggle earned him the title of the “Iron Man.”
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contributions to the nation also earned him the title of the “Architect of Modern India.”
- As the first Home Minister of India, Patel oversaw the establishment of a strong and unified administrative framework, laying the foundation for a democratic and stable governance system.
- He also oversaw the law and order of the nation in those difficult times of partition.
- To honour him, the Statue of Unity was built, which stands as a symbol of his contribution to the nation.
The First Female Home Minister of India was Smt. Indira Gandhi. She served from January 1966 to March 1977 and then again from January 1980 to October 1984.
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