Sardar Vallabhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru

Vallabhai Patel

Jawaharlal Nehru

Philosophy

• Pragmatism, strong central governance, and integration

• Socialism, democratic ideals, and modernization

Role in Independence Movement

• Key leader in the Indian National Congress, active in grassroots mobilization

• Prominent leader in the Indian National Congress, first Prime Minister of India

Approach to British Rule

• Negotiated with British and princely states for a unified India

• Advocated for complete independence, involved in diplomatic negotiations

Major Contributions

• Integration of princely states, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister

• First Prime Minister, architect of modern India, established democratic institutions

Economic Views

• Focused on agricultural reforms and rural development

• Advocated for industrialization and state-led economic planning

View on Governance

• Strong central government, consolidation of power for national unity

• Parliamentary democracy, emphasis on civil liberties and democratic processes

Approach to Social Issues

• Emphasized unity and national integration, worked to uplift rural areas

• Promoted social reforms, secularism, and scientific temper

Foreign Policy

• Pragmatic and cautious approach

• Non-alignment movement, proactive in international diplomacy

Leadership Style

• Firm, authoritative, and practical

• Charismatic, visionary, and idealistic

View on Religion

• Advocated for secularism but was personally rooted in Hindu traditions

• Strong advocate for secularism and religious tolerance

Major Policies

• Integration of princely states, land reforms

• Five-Year Plans, establishment of IITs, AIIMS, and other key institutions

Legacy

• Known as the "Iron Man of India," architect of a united India

• Architect of modern India, established democratic and scientific institutions

Criticism

• Criticized for authoritarian approach and strong-handed methods

• Criticized for centralization of power and some policy failures

Impact on Post-Independent India

• Ensured territorial integrity and administrative cohesion

• Laid the foundations for India's political, economic, and social development