Sardar Shreena Prerak Prasango

This document is a summary of "Sardar Shree na Prerak Prasango" (Inspiring Anecdotes of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel), authored by Mukul Kalarthi and published by Navjivan Prakashan Mandir as part of the "Sardar Janmashatabdi Mala" (Sardar Birth Centenary Series).

The book compiles a series of short, inspiring stories from the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, highlighting his character, actions, and principles. The publisher's note emphasizes the significance of Sardar Patel's birth anniversary and his crucial role in India's freedom struggle and the unification of the princely states. The series aims to introduce young people to his life and work through six books.

The catalog linked shows that the complete set of six books includes titles focusing on his life's work, inspiring anecdotes, his relationship with Gandhiji, his sense of humor, his role as a satyagrahi, and his inspiring words.

The provided pages from the book offer specific anecdotes, including:

• A Stone in the Path: Young Vallabhbhai removes a stone from the road that was obstructing travelers, demonstrating his foresight and concern for others.
• One Who Fears Pain is Different: He endures a painful traditional treatment for a boil, showing his resilience and willingness to bear discomfort for a cure.
• Wrestling with the Plague: During a plague outbreak in Godhra, he dedicates himself to caring for a sick child, even after contracting the plague himself.
• Humbled Pride: He plays bridge with high stakes against boastful lawyers, decisively winning and humbling their arrogance.
• An Unusual Patient: He undergoes surgery without anesthesia, impressing the doctors with his fortitude.
• Master of Cross-Examination: Examples are given of how he expertly cross-examines witnesses to strengthen his cases.
• Insistence on Mother Tongue: He insists on speaking in Gujarati during a public meeting, despite official pressure to use English.
• Taking the Initiative: He breaks social barriers by sitting with Harijans (untouchables) at a conference when separate seating arrangements were made for them.
• Against Western Progress: He warns against blindly adopting Western modernization, viewing it as a source of global unrest and destructive.
• Respect for Father: He responds respectfully to his father's request to help a Swami who was facing legal trouble.
• Brotherly Banter: His elder brother, Vithalbhai, locks him in a privy as a prank, highlighting their close and teasing relationship.
• A Sharp Reply: He eloquently defends the non-cooperation movement and challenges critics who deemed it against religious principles.
• Education at Vidyapith: He advocates for the practical education offered at Gujarat Vidyapith, stating that forgetting previous learning is a good start.
• "I'll Kick Government Jobs": He refuses a collector's offer of a government job and bribe to betray an outlaw, emphasizing his integrity and independence.
• The Old Mother's Son: A touching interaction with his elderly mother, who, despite her failing eyesight, is concerned about her children's well-being and her daughter's marriage.
• Understanding the Farmer: Anecdotes from his tours in Madras and Bihar, where he connected with farmers, understood their plight, and inspired them.
• Donation is a Religious Debt: He observes how the Chinese community in Rangoon gives donations immediately, considering it a religious debt.
• "He Knows Me, Doesn't He?": He politely engages with a student he doesn't recognize, knowing the student recognizes him.
• Brotherly Love: The deep affection and support between Vallabhbhai and his elder brother Vithalbhai are highlighted through acts of service and financial help.
• Did Not Set Foot in Ancestral Home: He and Vithalbhai forgo their inheritance by refusing to participate in a costly traditional ceremony for their deceased father.
• Proving an Assumption Wrong: He is accidentally dropped from a moving jeep but calmly gets up without blaming the driver, showing composure.
• If You Want to Serve the People...: He advises a wealthy landowner to shed his elite status and connect with people at their level to serve them effectively.
• A Loving Father's Advice: A letter from Sardar to his son, Dahyabhai, advising him to temper his language and behavior with politeness and empathy.
• Proud Sardar: He refuses to be released on parole under conditions that compromise his dignity, even to attend his brother's funeral.
• Sardar's Selfless Attitude: His unwavering stance on his brother Vithalbhai's will, ensuring the money was used for national progress and refusing any personal claim.
• Service and Honor: His dedication during the 1927 Gujarat-Kathiawar floods, his refusal of government honors for his service, and his belief that his colleagues are motivated by service, not recognition.
• A Commendable Act of Service: His extensive efforts to combat a plague outbreak in Borsad, organizing relief, sanitation drives, and inspiring the community.
• "Daughter of a Poor Man": His simple lifestyle is illustrated by his daughter's patched saree and his own worn spectacles and watch, reflecting his humility and focus on service over personal comfort.

Overall, the book "Sardar Shree na Prerak Prasango" aims to present Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as a multifaceted leader with strong moral values, deep compassion, unwavering determination, and a profound commitment to public service.