Vallabhbhai Patel
Awards & Honours
2
Awards Won
4
Honours
2
Rankings
2
Covers
2
Records
Vallabhbhai Patel's achievements are etched into the foundation of modern India. He is the only person to have been awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1991, India's highest civilian honor. His role in integrating over 565 princely states is a historic first that prevented the fragmentation of the subcontinent. The Statue of Unity, unveiled in 2018, stands as a testament to his enduring legacy, being the world's tallest statue. His name adorns major institutions like the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and the Sardar Patel University. The Sardar Patel National Unity Award, instituted in 2019, continues to recognize contributions to national unity, cementing his place as a central figure in India's historical narrative.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Bharat Ratna
India's highest civilian award, conferred posthumously.
Lenin Peace Prize
Awarded for contributions to peace and international understanding.
Sardar Patel National Unity Award
Established to recognize contributions to national unity.
Statue of Unity
World's tallest statue dedicated to him.
Rankings & Lists
100 Most Influential People of the Century
Greatest Leaders of the 20th Century
Magazine Covers
Open Magazine
September 2026
The Original Strongman: A subtle portrait of Patel as a man who always put the nation first
India Today
October 1975
Centenary Tribute to the Iron Man
Records & Feats
Integration of 565 Princely States
Successfully integrated over 565 princely states into the Union of India, preventing fragmentation.
Statue of Unity Height
The statue dedicated to him is the world's tallest statue at 182 meters.