
Photograph of Sardar Patel with Maniben
'If, in spite of having achieved independence, Gandhiji has to fast today in order to achieve real Hindu-Muslim unity, it is a standing shame for us. We have just heard people shouting that Muslims should be removed from India. Those who do so have gone mad with anger. I am a frank man. I say bitter things to Hindus and Muslims alike. At the same time I maintain that I am a friend of Muslims. Some of them went to Gandhiji and complained over my Lucknow speech...Gandhiji felt compelled to defend me. That also pained me. For, after all, I am not a weak person who would like to be defended by others.' So spoke Sardar in the wake of Partition after Gandhiji had announced a fast unto death to protest against the Cabinet decision to withdraw the release of 55 crores to Pakistan.

Map of India before partition
The Partition of India into India and Pakistan was one of the most bitter chapters in the history of the nation. Patel had initially referred to the idea of Pakistan as Jinnah's 'mad dream' and scoffed at the suggestion that the Congress should help Jinnah in realising that dream. However, soon thereafter, Patel warmed up to the idea and accepted the idea of seeing India divided.

Turning Point in Punjab
'The butchery of innocent and defenceless men, women and children does not behove brave men' said Patel in one of the most stirring speeches he made, whilst addressing angry crowds in Amritsar. 'I have come to you with a specific appeal. Pledge the safety of Muslim refugees crossing the city. Any obstacles or hindrances will only worsen the plight of our refugees who are already performing prodigious feats of endurance.' '...No laws of humanity or war among honourable men permit the murder of people who have sought shelter and protection..Make way for the refugees with your own force of volunteers and let them deliver the refugees safely at the frontier.' No convoys were attacked after Patel's candid speech. Putting an end to mass butchery and violence that marked the story of India's partition, Patel's speech was a turning point in the Partition saga of Punjab.
Dividing everything from factories to inkpots!
'There should be no loss to India nor should Pakistan suffer needlessly' was the instruction given by Sardar Patel to those in charge of dividing assets between India and Pakistan. At the stroke of midnight on 15th August, 1947, India would achieve independence. At the same time she would stand divided as India and Pakistan. Partition entailed a detailed division of assets, liabilities and resources between these two nations. A special council was formed by Sardar Patel to ensure that the division is equitable and fair to both parties. This audio describes the process of Division of Assets.
‘There is no question of our compelling anyone to leave.'
‘Despite our efforts and despite the fact that in 80% of India, Muslims are living in peace and amity, some are wanting to leave from areas outside East Punjab and there is no question of our compelling anyone to leave.’ writes Sardar in this letter with reference to Liaqat Ali Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan’s criticism of Sardar’s speech in Amritsar. Writing to Gopalaswami Ayyangar, Minister without Portfolio, Sardar directs that a strong statement be issued ‘in order that the false propaganda be immediately scotched.' This is an image containing the said correspondence from Sardar Patel to Mr. M Ayyangar dated 11.10.1947.
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Photograph of Sardar Patel with Maniben
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Map of India before partition
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Turning Point in Punjab
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Dividing everything from factories to inkpots!
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‘There is no question of our compelling anyone to leave.'