Popularly known as the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India. A statesman of integrity, he played a quintessential role in helping India garner independence from the British rule. However, his role in the independence struggle did not end with just that as he was the man who guided the country to become a united, independent nation. Born in a Gujarati family, Patel was academically trained to become a lawyer. However, inspired by the works and teachings of Gandhi, he switched to give his life for the Indian struggle for independence. One of the leaders of the Indian National Congress, he raised to prominence in his home state for his outstanding work of saving peasants of Gujarat from the oppressive policies imposed by the British Raj, through non-violent civil disobedience. It wasn’t long before Patel became the trailblazer in the nationalist movement. It was for his ability to lead from the front that he was given the forename, Sardar, meaning Chief. Patel is also credited for establishing modern all-India civil services and for the same, is remembered as the ‘Patron Saint’ of India's civil servants. It was his sheer sense of wisdom, practical acumen, sharp mind, great organizational skills and political insight that helped Patel become one amongst the greatest leaders of India.