Integrating Diversity: Patel's Approach to Secular Nationalism

Abstract

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who is respected as “Iron Men of India”, occupied an important place in the journey of the country’s unity and solidarity. Although Patel is often remembered for his administrative skills and the role of decision -making in integrating more than 560 domestic states, his secular nationalism aspects remain equally important but unwanted levels of his inheritance. Patel’s attitude towards secularism was deeply realistic, which is based on the immediate challenge of a new independent nation to fight against division, communal instability and wounds of regional division. Instead of viewing secularism as an abstract ideal, Patel accepted it as a tool of rule that ensured national integrity as well as ensured equitable behavior of different communities. His emphasis on the neutrality of the state in religion and his emphasis on law and order reflects that unity can be maintained only through justice and inclusion. In this chapter, Patel’s political philosophy and the obligation of solidarity are tested with the strategy of maintaining India’s plural character. In the widespread controversy of Indian nationalism, the secularism of Patel, as it has been analyzed, highlights how the model of his regime provides permanent education for conducting diversity in contemporary democratic society.