Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was an Indian barrister and statesman, one of the leaders of the Indian National Congress and one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India. He is known to be a social leader of India who played an unparalleled role in the country's struggle for independence and guided its integration into a united, independent nation.
He was raised in the countryside of Gujarat in a family of Leva- Patidar. He traveled to attend schools in Nadiad, Petlad and Borsad, living self-sufficiently with other boys. He reputedly cultivated a stoic (baring severe pain) character—a popular anecdote (story) recounts how he lanced (make cut) his own painful boil without hesitation, even as the barber supposed to do it trembled (shake).[6] He passed his matriculation at the late age of 22.
When he had saved enough for England and applied for a pass and a ticket, they arrived in the name of "V. J. Patel," at Vithalbhai's home, who bore the same initials. Having harboured his own plans to study in England, Vithalbhai demonstrated to his younger brother that it would be disreputable for an older brother to follow his younger brother. In keeping with concerns for his family's honor (principle), he allowed Vithalbhai to go in his place.[9] He also financed his brother's stay and began saving again for his own goals. At the age of 36, he went to England to fulfill his dream and joined Middle Temple Inn, He completed his 36-month course in just 30 months. After returning to India he became one of the most successful barristers of Ahmedabad.
In 1909, Sardar Patel's wife Jhaverba was hospitalized in Bombay to undergo a major surgical operation for cancer. Her health suddenly worsened and despite successful emergency surgery, she died in the hospital. Sardar Patel was given a note informing him of his wife's demise as he was cross-examining a witness in court.