Famous People from Karamsad

Sardar VallabhBhai Patel also known as the Iron-Man of India was born on 13th October, 1875, in a small village Karamsad , of the Gujarat region. His father Jhaber Bhai Patel was a simple farmer and mother Laad Bai was a simple lady.

From his childhood, Patel was a very hard-working individual. He used to help his father in farming and studied in a school at Patlaad. He passed his high-school examination in 1896. Throughout school he was a very wise and intelligent student. Inspite of poor financial conditions his father decided to send him to college but VallabhBhai refused. For around three years he stayed at home, worked hard and prepared for the District Leader’s examination, passing with a very good percentage.

Sardar Patel hated to work for anyone especially the British. He was a person of independent nature. He started his own practice of law in a place called Godhara. Soon the practice flourished. He saved money, made financial arrangement for his entire family. He got married to Jhaberaba in 1893. Soon after in 1900 he passed his Law exams and opened his own legal practice in Godhra. However, in 1902 he shifted his legal practice to Borsad and made a name for himself as a criminal lawyer.

In 1904 and 1905 his daughter Maniben, and his son Dahya were born, respectively. He sent his elder brother, the famous Vitthalbhai, to England for higher studies in law. Vitthalbhai, henceforth, returned as a barrister in 1908 and started practising in Bombay. In 1909 his wife became seriously ill and was taken to Bombay for treatment Vallabh Bhai had to go for the hearing of an urgent case and his wife died. He was stunned. He admitted his children in St. Mary’s school Bombay, and he left for England. He never remarried.

In 1912, Sardarji, passed his final exam in 6 terms instead of the usual 12, resulting in a first class degree and was awarded a £50 prize. Now a barrister and returning to India in 1913, he started his practice in Ahmedabad and soon he became aware of the local life, activities and people’s problems. Reached Mumbai on the 13th February. Refused professorship in Government Law College and started an independent practice at Ahmedabad and earned a good name.

Around 1915, he came across Mahatma Gandhi. The Swadeshi Movement was at its peak and Gandhiji gave a lecture at a place in Ahmedabad where Patel heard him and was very impressed. He then started actively participating in the freedom movement. The British government’s atrocities were increasing. They declared to confiscate all the lands of farmers. He forced the British government to amend the rules and brought together the farmers and encouraged them and hence got the title of ‘Sardar’, thus becoming famous. The British government considered him as a threat and his lectures were considered anti-government and he was imprisoned several times. He became an extremely popular person and got elected in the Municipal Corporation in 1917. Ghandiji appointed him the Secretary of the Gujarat pradesh Samelan. Opposed the appointment of a British ICS Officer as the Municipal commissioner and got it cancelled.

1918 saw him arrange a famine relief operation in the Ahmedabad district, and being elected as Chairman of Ahmedabad municipal board in 1919. In 1922, the Government suspended the Ahmedabad Municipality on the issue of supervision of municipal schools. He therefore collected funds from the public and started primary school classes. Sardar Patel was sent by AICC to Nagpur to offer Satyagraha (protest) in 1923. He opposed the education process introduced by the Government of Mumbai and made them withdraw it. Henceforth became known as ‘Board Chief’.

In 1924, he introduced the Khadi uniform for the Municipal staff of Ahmedabad and the Gujarati language for official use. Completed the sewage project. When the worst floods known in the Gujarat state hit in 1927, Sardar Patels efforts saved the city, Ahmedabad. 1928, saw him resign as the Chief of the Ahmedabad municipality. Mumbai took over the land and other property belonging to the agitators for not paying the taxes but he did not withdraw the agitates. The Government released them from jail and taxes were reduced. Officers responsible for repressive measures were suspended. In 1929, he appealed for support to Congress party in the election to political bodies in Maharashtra, Kathiawad and Tamil Nadu.

Sardar Patel was arrested on March 7th 1930 and sentenced to 3 months together with a fine of Rs 500/-. He protested the inferior food supplies in jail. Was released on 26th June, but was re-arrested on 31st July and imprisoned for 3 months at Yarwada Jail. Soon after he gave a speech near Khadi Bhandar, Poona for which was re-arrested again and sentenced to 9 months jail. 1931, saw him being released from Jail in March after undergoing sentence on Ghandi – Irwin Pact issue. Was elected Congress President at Karachi session of AICC. Assisted Ghandiji at the Roundtable Conference. In 1932, arrested at dusk on 4th January and was sentenced for 16 months imprisonment at Yarwada jail along with Ghandiji. His mother died in Karamsad. He was transferred to Nasik Central Jail on 1st August 1933. Elder brother Vithalbhai died on 22nd October. The terms for conditional release on parole for performing last rites set forth by government were rejected by him. He developed a serious nose ailment in 1934 and was released from jail on 14th July, canvassed for Congress party candidate for Assembly election. As the congress decided to contest the Assembly election, he toured the country for canvassing its candidates.

He was elected chairman of the local self-government conference held in Baroda in 1935. Appointed the Chairman of the sub-committee of the congress legislative party in 1936 and was on the selection committee to select candidates for the state assembly elections. Gave guidelines to the congress Governments in the state. 1937 saw him have a difference of opinion with the BPCC. President Shri Nariman on the question of selection of president of the BPCC. Attempt was made on his life in 1938 but was unhurt. Visited the Mysore State and unfurled the congress flag in the state. Under the defence of India rules he was sent to Sabarmati jail in 1940 and thereafter Yarwada jail for offering Satyagraha. Was released from jail on 20th August 1941 on the grounds of health. Condemned communal riots.

In 1942, he took part in the Quit India Movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. He was arrested along with other leaders and was sent to Ahmednagar jail. Inspite of the British Rule, rulers of the small kingdoms were spending a lot of public money, and were having a nice time. Sardar Vallabh Bhai opposed this. With great wisdom and political foresight, he consolidated the small kingdoms. The public was with him. He tackled the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Nawab of Junagarh who initially did not want to join India. There were a lot of problems connected with the reunion of the numerous states into India. Sardar Patel’s untiring efforts towards the unity of the country brought success. Due to the achievement of this massive task, Sardar Patel got the title of ‘Iron Man’. He is one of the prestigious leaders of the world who became immortal by uniting a scattered nation without any bloodshed. His enthusiasm to work for the independent nation got a big jolt when Gandhiji was murdered. Patel was very attached to Gandhiji and considered him, his elder brother and teacher. Mahatma Gandhi encouraged him in all his work. Gandhiji’s death left him broken.

1945, saw him transferred to the Yarwada Jail. He fell ill and was released on 15th June. Went to Simla to hold talks with the Viceroy and other Indian Leaders. Got Shri Ganesh Mavlankar elected as speaker. Held talks with the British Government in 1946, inviting Muslim league leaders to join them. Initiated military action against the Nawabs of Jamnagar and assured protection to Indian Muslims. Emphasised the significance of maintaining good relations between India and Pakistan. Ordered police action in Hyderabad and wanted UN to treat Kashmir issue in a realistic basis in 1948. He said ‘We have accepted ‘cease fire’ call of the UN. But other party does not seem to agree. We can take care of the Kashmir aggression without any fear if we are released from the solemn reassurances.’

In 1949, he warned terrorists to dissuade themselves or else they would be dealt with severely. At the same time he opposed the linguistic division of the Country. Appealed to RSS to join congress and South Indians to learn Hindi.

Sardar Patel warned Pakistan against the eviction of Hindus from East Pakistan in 1950. He donated Rs15 Lakhs which he had received on his 75th Birthday from Gujarat to the Pradesh congress. Warned China for interference in Tibet.

He fell ill on 15th November and as admitted into hospital on 12th December. On 15th December 1950 he died of a cardiac arrest. The news of his death spread all over the world. The entire nation plunged into deep sorrow; everyday life came to a standstill. A grateful nation paid a tearful homage to its beloved leader.

In 1991 the grateful nation conferred upon him the honour of Bharat Ratna.

Vithalbhai Patel was born in Nadiad, on September 27, 1873. He was educated to middle school level in Karamsad and then joined the high school at Nadiad. He was known as an alert student who enjoyed practical jokes, and had a phenomenal memory. Soon after finishing high school went to study law in Bombay and qualified to start his own independent legal practice in Borsad, at a relatively young age. He was a very dedicated lawyer gaining an impressive reputation within the region.

At the age of 32, in 1905, Vithalbhai went to England in order to expand his knowledge and gain some more qualifications. At this point his brother Sardar Vallabhai Patel looked after his wife, Diwaliben, carrying the entire financial burden on his shoulders. Not forgetting this act, Vithalbhai in return looked after Sardar’s children when Sardar went to England. Unfortunately, Vithalbhai ’s wife died in 1908, the year he returned from England.

Vithalbhai spent much time on the civic affairs of Bandra as well as practicing law. In 1922-23 he formed a small party and entered the Bombay Municipality with a band of supporters. They worked hard for a year, leading the municipal franchise to widen and democracy to become more prevalent. He also organised the municipal election. 40 nationalists were returned in the teeth of strong opposition from vested interests – thus came into existence the Bombay Nationalist Municipal Party, with Vithalbhai as its head and soul.

In recognition of his devoted civic services, he was elected President of the Bombay Municipality, in which capacity he more than maintained the traditions handed down by Sir Pherozeshah Mehta.

Vithalbhai refused to present the Address to Lord Reading, the then Viceroy of India, because of his repeated attempts to impose his will on India by the use of autocratic powers. Vithalbhai resigned his post, but was re-elected without him bending to their will. By his re-election, he proved that popular opinion supported his action.

He gave up practicing law with an aim to devote all his time to the Bombay Legislative Council, so as to give more to the national cause of freeing India. Here he was responsible for attempts to carry out social reform through the legislature. His one ambition was the betterment of his countrymen, socially, educationally and politically.

Vithalbhai travelled to America in November 1932, regardless of his bad health caused from his imprisonment in India and four surgical operations. He went to many places in America to illustrate India’s need for self-rule.

He then travelled to Europe, and even though gravely ill, he tried his best to awaken active interest in India. It was in Geneva on 22 October 1933, that Vithalbhai had a seizure and died at the age of 60.

• Indubhai G Patel was involved in the formulation of Policy and Management of the Economy after the Independence of India.
• Trained as an Economist in UK and USA
• Between 1954-1982, worked in the Governments of 4 Prime Ministers (Nehru, Shastri, Indira Gandhi and Morarji Desai).
• One interregnum was 1972-1977 when he took up an assignment with the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
• Became a Secretary to the Government in the Finance Ministry in his early 40’s and worked with Finance Ministers from C. D Deshmukh onwards.
• Was also Governor of the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) in 1977-1982.
• Was in many ways the ultimate insider.
• Was Director of The London School of Economics for 2 terms.
• Her Majesty, The Queen for his Services, knighted Dr. I G Patel.

• Born in Karamsad in 1875
• Educated in an English Medium School
• First Patel to arrive in East Africa after traveling by a Dhow in a very risky and dangerous way and landed in a strange & unknown place at Mombasa in 1896.
• Encouraged many others to follow him. His patriotic and humble feelings inspired him to call many fellow Patels from Karamsad and other parts of Gujarat and gave them every assistance in their settlement.
• Assisted all those who moved in finding employment and residence.
• Was very well respected in the Patel community, even after he died in 1932.

• Kumari Maniben Patel, the daughter of Sardar Patel, had sacrificed her life for the cause of the nation and the community. She remained unmarried as a protest against the evil of the Dowry System in the Patidar community.
• Karamsad is proud to have Patidars of eminence. Magambhai Naranbhai Patel (Mota) was the first Patel to arrive in East Africa, Mombasa in 1889. His adventurous and patriotic spirit led many Patidars of Karamsad and from other parts of Gujarat to settle in East Africa.
• Mota’s nephew Dhurabhai Kashibhai (D.K. Patel) was secretary to the general manager of Kenya Farmer’s Association. He helped many Patels and Indians to get jobs and settled them in Kenya.
• Chandrakant C. Patel, a civil engineer, was the Chief Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Services.
• Karamsad has many institutions in the fields of education, religion, and social areas. These institutions evolved from generous donations.
• Gordhanbhai Hathibhai, donated for Nursing School and Operation Theatre in Karamsad.
• Babubhai Zaverbhai Patel donated for hospital.
• Two brothers Bhailabhai Kashibhai Patel and Ambalal Kashibhai Patel had donated for schools, hospitals, and religious centers. They established and raised Hariba Charitable Trust and Kashibhai Bajibhai Patel Trust, through witch they are donating to social, educational, and religious institutions throughout India.
• Dr. Jashbhai Gordhanbhai donated a hospital and other charitable institutions in the town.
• Nephews of Somabhai Nathabhai Patel, Shantilal Revabhai Patel, Manibhai Kishabhai Patel, Jethabhai Vagjibhai Patel, Hariprasad Dhayabhai Patel, Chunibhai Patel, Jashbhai Raja, Hariprasad Rambhai Patel & sons and many others have donated generously in social, educational, and religious institutions the the town.
• Karamsad is proud of Bhikhabhai Kuberbhai Patel (Bhikhakaka), who dedicated his life for the cause of educaton and raising standards of educational institutions. He played a key role in developing Vallabh Vidyanagar along with Bhaikaka of Sojrita.
• Karamsad is proud to have social workers Natubhai Manibhai Patel (member of Parliament), Chunibhai Maljibhai Patel (Pramukh Kheda District Local Board), Natubhai Revabhai Patel, Chimanbhai Narshibhai Patel (Jay Bhagwan), Ratilal Vallabhai Patel, Dhayabhai, Hathibhai (Rangoonwala), and Dr. Thakorbhai Khodabhai Patel, whose noble services to the citizens of Karamsad are always remembered.
• Mahant Jankidas established the Shri Santram Mandir, which had decorated the town of Karamsad by fulfilling the social, cultural, and religious needs of the citizens of the town, as well as the surrounding villages.