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“We desire a Swarajya where hundreds of people do not perish due to lack of sustenance. The produce of farmers should not be taken away from them and sent abroad. The people should not rely on others for clothing. Swarajya should inherently protect the dignity of individuals. Swadeshi should be the natural duty of the people. Work should be conducted in the native language. The medium of instruction should be the native language. The freedom of the people should be safeguarded without discrimination. Culture and values should always hold a significant position in life. Prices of essential goods should be regulated. Justice should be accessible to every citizen in Swarajya. Justice should not come at an exorbitant cost. The disparity in salaries between officers and employees should not be excessively high. The people should be committed to making the nation self-reliant, strong, and secure in all aspects, while earning international respect.” - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

The statement by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel pertained to the future of the country as it stood on the verge of independence from colonial rule. His statement portrayed a clear vision of an independent India in his imagination. It envisioned self-reliance among all countrymen, emphasizing indigenization and the preservation of national values and culture in all forms. It aimed to build the nation using the country’s resources and the hard work of its people, while acknowledging the dignity of labor. Swarajya symbolized the guarantee of equality, liberty, justice, and rights for all citizens, regardless of their status. It also aimed for India to attain a respectable position on the global stage. In summary, the goal was to build a self-reliant, developed, and strong India in every aspect.

Such a powerful and capable India could only be built by its own people through their tireless efforts. Indians would take pride in their self-reliance, while earning the respect of the world for their Swarajya. A strong and capable India should secure a worthy place in the world and play a leading role in international affairs, contributing to the welfare of the entire world. This was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of India—an India that he imagined. Undoubtedly, fulfilling the basic needs of every citizen was necessary, a need that remains relevant to this day. Every Indian should have equal opportunities for personal progress, which remains relevant even today. Without meeting these basic needs and providing equal opportunities, deprived citizens cannot contribute to the country’s prosperity, unity, and prestige. Even if they desire to do so, they will be unable to fulfill their essential role in promoting the country’s pride, self-reliance, and integrity. Only when one’s own plate is full can they consider sharing it with others.

India is primarily an agricultural country with millions of villages, and agriculture remains the backbone of its economy. However, thousands of farmers continue to commit suicide each year due to irreparable damage caused by natural disasters, subsequent crop failures, lack of alternative means, and overwhelming debt pressure. The mental stress on farmers is immense, pushing them towards destructive habits and death. Even after seventy-five years of independence, farmers still do not receive fair prices for their crops. They endure losses, and agriculture often becomes a curse rather than a boon. Government statistics from the period 2001-2014 reveal that over two hundred thousand farmers committed suicide during that time. This is a distressing, unfortunate, and shameful situation for the farmers, who were and still are the soul of the country according to Sardar Patel. He used to say, “Whenever farmers suffer, my heart aches. If I can alleviate their suffering and make them self-sufficient, what greater fortune could I have?”

Approximately three hundred and fifty million people in India still live below the poverty line, with most of them residing in rural areas and working as farmers. The details of their living conditions need not be elaborated upon. However, it can be stated with certainty that their lives are marked by scarcity. Many of them earn less than one hundred rupees per day, and the standard of living with such low income can be imagined by all. Millions of people in the country face various other challenges such as healthcare, education, housing, and accessibility to justice. This reality is evident to us, even during the “Amritkal” of our country’s freedom, prompting introspection while discussing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of Swarajya. Patel himself was an exceptional leader for farmers, a voice for rural India, and a unifier of a diverse India. This calls for action on our part.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a prominent role on the frontlines of India’s freedom struggle. He provided leadership in various satyagrahas, including the Bardoli Kisan Agitation in 1928. He played a crucial role in all mass actions led by Mahatma Gandhi for the attainment of Swarajya. Patel became a source of inspiration for millions of villagers, farmers, and laborers. He was their beacon of hope. The Sardar considered self-reliance, social equality, and prosperity as the benchmarks of Swarajya. These principles are not only relevant today but also serve as the litmus test for the achievements of free India or Swarajya.

After gaining independence from British colonial rule, the country embarked on its path to reconstruction, which is still ongoing today. This fact cannot be denied. However, much remains to be done, particularly in the social and economic spheres, considering the aforementioned circumstances. Simultaneously, a strong determination and a broad national perspective are needed in the political arena. We must work with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s thoughts in mind. True socio-national unity can only be established through equality and self-reliance among the common people, ensuring India’s strength, prosperity, and rightful place in the world. Therefore, Sardar Patel’s statement regarding Swarajya—his vision of self-rule—remains relevant even today. It serves as a message to all of us on Independence Day, urging us to take concrete actions in this regard. 

*Dr. Ravindra Kumar, an Indologist, was awarded the Padma Shri and the Sardar Patel National Award. He served as the Vice Chancellor of CCS University, Meerut, and currently holds the position of Ombudsman at Swami Vivekananda Subharati University, Meerut (India).