The Inevitability of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Absence from the Bharat Ratna Lifetime

Introduction

India became a Republic on January 26, 1950. Just days after the country secured its independence, the prestigious Bharat Ratna award was instituted in 1954-55. However, there is a question often raised about why Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a true pillar of the nation, was not honored with the Bharat Ratna during his lifetime. This article delves into the reasons behind this fascinating historical episode.

Historical Context and Inauguration of Honors

As India underwent a period of transformation towards independence, the Indian National Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi and other prominent leaders, played a crucial role. Following India's independence on August 15, 1947, the fledgling republic needed a system to recognize its heroes. The Government of India, consequent to the recommendations of the Committee on Awards for Distinguished Service, instituted the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri in 1954-55.

The Bharat Ratna Awards: A Capstone Achievement

The first recipients of the Bharat Ratna, a prestigious civilian award, were none other than Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, C.V. Raman, and C. Rajagopalachari in 1954. These awardees were honored for their immense contributions to various fields, being trailblazers in their respective domains. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a towering figure in Indian politics and unification, sadly passed away on December 15, 1950, long before the Bharat Ratna was instituted. This raises the question: why was Sardar not honored with this accolade during his lifetime?

Lifetime vs. Posthumous Honors

The Bharat Ratna is a living symbol of India's commitment to recognizing living citizens for their outstanding contributions to society. The award is not just a recognition but a testament to the enduring impact of an individual on the nation's development. As such, the awarding of the Bharat Ratna posthumously is seen by many as a loss of its significance. However, such awards have occasionally made exceptions, especially in cases where strong indications suggested the recipient was well-deserving during their lifetime.

Personal and Professional Feathers

It is believed that even if argued for, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel may not have received the Bharat Ratna due to internal political dynamics. Sardar was known for his principled stance against Jawaharlal Nehru, who eventually became the first Prime Minister of India. While Sardar was initially elected as the Prime Minister by the Congress members, he relinquished the post in favor of Jawaharlal Nehru under Gandhi's influence. This decision, while arguably noble, may have inadvertently affected the honor he deserved during his lifetime.

Conclusion and Historical Impact

The Bharat Ratna award, a capstone of the nation's highest civilian honor, has been a testament to the enduring legacy of its recipients. While Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's contributions to unifying India and shaping the nation are undeniable, the timing and the political climate of the institute's creation played a significant role in his absence from the initial awardees. This reflects the broader truths about the nature of national honors and the complex dynamics of political and social changes over time.