It was a July morning in New Delhi, and the city was just beginning to wake up when the news broke.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's Defense Minister and one of the architects of its independence, had passed away in his sleep.
The radio stations, usually filled with the sounds of news bulletins and light music, fell silent.
Then came the somber announcement, spoken in a tone heavy with grief.
"India mourns the loss of its beloved leader, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Iron Man of India, whose unwavering strength united this nation, has passed away at the age of 80."
The words hit like a hammer.
Across the country, homes and workplaces fell into stunned silence.
For many, Patel wasn't just a leader he was a symbol of the nation's struggle, resilience, and unity.
Even as his health had declined over the past year, his presence was a source of stability.
Now, that anchor was gone.
