Gujarat’s Bravehearts: Icon of India’s Freedom Struggle

In the following blog, I aim to convey messages inspired by two great leaders, Gandhi-ji and Vallabhbhai Patel, through the statues erected in their honor. Gujarat, a land that bears witness to the wisdom of Gandhi and Patel, also carries the historical weight of the 2002 riots. Two significant places on this soil are the Statue of Unity and Sabarmati Ashram.

• Expression of Sabarmati Ashram: The ashram reflects the life and living style of Gandhiji.
• The Statue’s Message: The statue communicates a profound message – it is crafted from different materials, signifying that when elements with different qualities unite, they stand strong.
• Patel’s Humility: A glance at the statue reveals simplicity in Patel’s eyes. Despite his education and fame, he remained down to earth.
• Patience: The statue took considerable time to be built. Dedicated workers toiled tirelessly. After a prolonged effort, the Statue of Unity stands today, contributing significantly to Gujarat’s economy.
• Sabarmati Ashram (Sabarmati Ke Sant Tune Kar diya Kamaal): It epitomizes the simplicity and self-reliant nature of Bapu.
• Leaving Luxury: Gandhiji, a learned man, could have lived comfortably but chose to fight against the British and endure hardship. Both Gandhi and Patel were educated yet eschewed a life of luxury.
• Mentoring People: In the ashram, Gandhi-ji took responsibilities for his fellow mates. The Charkha symbolizes self-reliance.
• Treating Every Religion Equally: The Prarthna Sabha ground exemplifies Gandhi-ji’s secularism. Conducting prayers from all religions, he recommended both the Bhagavad Gita and the Quran.

Both Gandhi and Patel were dedicated to the goal of independence. They abandoned their legal practices to join the freedom struggle, embodying true patriotism.
Both monuments took substantial time to build, symbolizing the virtue of patience. In the end, we can conclude that both leaders were non-violent and remained committed until India achieved freedom.

Writen By Dhairya Sarda (Takshila School, Ahmednagar).

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