Sardar Patel - The Lawyer
Patel - The Lawyer
Vallabhbhai's cherished ambition was to become a barrister. But in order to realize this ambition, he had to continue his studies in England. But his family was in utter poverty. He did not have enough money even to join a college in India. In those days a candidate could study in private and sit for an examination in Law. Vallabhbhai's brother, Vithalbhai, also was a lawyer. He attended coaching classes before entering himself for the examination.But Vallabhbhai did not even attend coaching classes. He borrowed books from the lawer of his acquaintance and studied their judgements.Occasionally he attended courts of law. He studied their judgments. He listened attentively to the arguments of lawyers. He observed keenly lawyers of all types - the timid ones, the dashing ones and the skillful ones. He listened to them all.
Vallabhbhai passed the examination. Vallabhbhai had absolutely no facilities to begin practice of law. He borrowed some money from his friends and hired a room in a town called Godhra. He furnished it with a couple of chairs, and also mats for those who wished to squat on the floor.
Before long clients were attracted to this enthusiastic young man. If he took up a subject, Vallabhbhai made a thorough study of it.
In a short time Vallabhbhai made a name as a very eminent lawyer. By then he was married. Two children were born - a daughter, Manibehn, and a son,Dhayabhai. Vallabhbhai's wife fell ill, and he sent her to Bombay for treatment.
Hunger of Education still Kindesss and Sacrifice
As Vallabhbhai wished to become a barrister, he was saving money and making preparations to go to England. He wrote a letter to a travel agency about his trip to England. By chance it fell into the hands of Vithalbhai. He told Vallabhbhai, "I shall go to England first; you can go later."
Without the slightest hesitation Vallabhbhai agreed. "Take it that my money and my ticket are yours. Make use of them gladly. And if you need money in England write to me. I shall send you the money," he told his brother.
Vithalbhai's wife was not a woman who would easily adopt herself to circumstances. She 'was worded; what was she to do if her husband went abroad? Who would look after her? Vallabhbhai said, "Come and stay with us till my brother returns. Think of my house as yours."
Three years passed, and the elder brother returned from England.