ABOUT THE BOOK

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel revered as the Iron Man of India played a crucial role in shaping the nation we know today. His historic achievement of integrating 565 princely states into a united India stands as a defining moment in the making of modern Bharat. Yet, beyond this monumental feat lies a profound legacy of thought, vision, and commitment to justice, equality, and empowerment that remains widely unrecognised. As India marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, this volume re-examines his ideas and leadership through contemporary lenses. It uncovers lesser-known dimensions of his public life, his philosophy of governance, and his vision for an inclusive and self-reliant India that uplifts its most marginalized citizens. This book has emerged from a national conference titled “Harnessing Sardar Patel's Legacy for Viksit Bharat @2047: Education, Justice, Equality, Unity and Empowerment for All, organized by Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies–Technical Campus, New Delhi in collaboration with USMC, GGSIP University, and sponsored by ICSSR, Ministry of Education, Government of India. It brings together scholarly perspectives that illuminate Patel's enduring impact on India's socio-political fabric and serves as both a tribute and crucial academic resource. Powerful, insightful, and deeply relevant-this volume invites readers to rediscover the statesman whose vision continues to guide India's journey toward a stronger and more equitable future.

ABOUT THE EDITORS

Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sharma is an esteemed academician with a distinguished twenty-year career in communication and media studies. He currently serves as a Professor at the Vivekananda School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies-Technical Campus (VIPS-TC) New Delhi. His dedication to academia is demonstrated through his extensive work organizing and participating in national and international seminars, conferences, and ICSSR-sponsored faculty development programs.

Dr. Sachin Gupta is the Dean of Research and an Associate Professor at Vivekananda School of Economics. He holds a PhD in Supply Chain Management from the School of Management Studies, IGNOU, an MSc in Applied Operational Research, and an M.Phil in Operational Research from the Faculty of Mathematical Sciences, University of Delhi. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Dr. Gupta has published and presented 38 research papers in various national and international journals and conferences.

Dr. Baninder Rahi is Associate Dean of Research and Senior Assistant Professor at the Vivekananda School of Journalism & Mass Communication, Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies-Technical Campus (VIPS-TC) New Delhi. Before transitioning into academia, she built a strong foundation in journalism with leading dailies such as The Indian Express, The Pioneer, and The Daily Post. She holds a doctorate in Mass Communication & Journalism from Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, and a Social Sciences Honours degree from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.