Trivia

Served as the head Municipal Administrator of Ahmedabad pre-Independence, greatly improving its infrastructure and judicial setup.

Ranked 3rd in CNN-IBN's "Greatest Indian" television series.

Inaugural Minister Of Home Affairs cum Deputy Prime Minister of Independent India[1947-50].

Featured on the cover of Time magazine for his outstanding efforts in the integration of princely states into the Indian Dominion [1948].

His birthday on 31st October is celebrated as "National Unity Day" in recognition of his accomplishments in unifying India.

Is widely considered by most as the "Surrogate Father of the Republic Of India".

Although Nehru had been designated by MK Gandhi as his political successor in 1941 itself, most viewed Patel as the front-runner for the post of the Prime Minister of India post independence.

Oversaw the restoration of the prestigious Somnath Temple in his home state of Gujarat after it had been repeatedly destroyed in Islamic conquests of India, without any government funding.

Was the last person to meet and privately talk to MK Gandhi at the Birla House in Delhi before the latter's assassination on 30th January, 1948.

Surprisingly for a man accused of having anti-Muslim biases, Patel's death in December 1950 was widely mourned in Muslim majority nations like Indonesia and Pakistan, with Indonesian President Sukarno hailing Patel as an outstanding statesman and Pak Prime Minister as well as Patel's former colleague as Finance Minister in the interim government of India Liaquat Ali Khan calling Patel the best administrator in the subcontinent.

Was very good friends with 2 of India's biggest industrialists of the time, G.D. Birla as well as J.R.D. Tata.

After heavy criticism post MK Gandhi's assassination, Patel wanted to tender his resignation as Minister Of Home Affairs. However, he was stopped by his daughter Maniben and his secretary on the grounds that such a move from Patel would only provide fodder for his enemies. Nehru, on being told of this development, personally wrote to Patel reminding him of their 30 year old camaraderie and refused to accept his withdrawal from government affairs.

Was in admanant opposition to Nehru's recognition of the People's Republic Of China and alongside C. Rajagopalachari was in staunch favor of supporting the West in the emerging Cold War.

Standing at 182 metres, a statue dedicated to him in the Kevadiya region of his home state of Gujarat and titled "Statue Of Unity" by India's ruling BJP government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi(also a native of Gujarat) happens to be the tallest statue of any personality or idol in the world. Built facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada river, the statue from the inside is a popular tourist attraction with the foot and the topmost floor providing glimpses of Patel's meetings with heads of princely states during the integration of India post independence, his addressings of the Congress sessions pre-1947 and his hoisting off of the first batches of IAS and IPS officers as Minister For States And Personnel. Also included in the facility is a laser show conducted at night from lights surrounding the setup, describing his life's journey, starting as a successful barrister in Ahmedabad to being influenced by MK Gandhi into joining the Indian Independence Movement to his extraordinary feat of integrating over 550 princely states into the Dominion Of India ending with his demise 1950.[2018].

Had a long stand dislike for fellow Congressmen Subhash Chandra Bose and Maulana Azad. Bose, for his radical views which Patel thought were reminiscent of communism and open opposition to Gandhi. Azad, for his attempts to put issues of Indian Muslims ahead of the national struggle.

A successful barrister and a self-made man, Patel initially desired his daughter Maniben and son Dhayabhai to receive British styled education for a better economic future, but his views changed upon meeting Gandhi for the first time and he had his children admitted to the Gujarat Vidyapeeth instead.

Was informed about his spouse Jhaverben's death while cross examining a witness in court in 1909. Patel calmly kept the telegram in his pocket and continued with the case and ended up winning it. He revealed the news of his wife's death to his colleagues only after the verdict was announced and he had left the court.

Was bestowed with India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1992, four decades after his death. While his critics opinionated that Patel had died before the civilian awards were even instituted, his supporters claimed Patel like Gandhi before him was arguably bigger than the award itself and hence honouring him with the award was just a formality.