After finishing his law studies, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel started his career as a lawyer. He set up his legal practice and became quite successful. He was known for solving cases with skill and fairness, which earned him respect in the courts. But even while practicing law, Patel could not ignore the growing call for India’s freedom.

In 1918, his life changed forever when Mahatma Gandhi trusted him to lead the Kheda Satyagraha, a movement where farmers protested against unfair taxes during a famine. Patel’s leadership here made him famous as a man who could stand up for the people. This earned him the title “Sardar,” meaning leader or chief. Over time, he led other important protests like the Bardoli Satyagraha in 1928, where he helped farmers win their rights.

His political career grew stronger as he joined the Indian National Congress and became a chief organizer in the freedom struggle. Patel was known for his practical approach and strong decision-making skills. When India finally became independent in 1947, Patel brought this same determination to his new role as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of the country. These were very important jobs because he had to help build the government and keep the country united.

One of Patel’s biggest challenges was uniting over 560 princely states that were independent before British rule ended. Many of these states could have chosen to remain separate, which might have broken India into many smaller countries. But Patel used clever negotiations, firmness, and sometimes gentle persuasion to bring all these states into the Indian Union. Because of this great achievement, he earned the lifelong nickname “Iron Man of India.”

Bose’s decision to refuse the Indian Civil Service exam final step in 1921 was a turning point. He entered politics, joining the Indian National Congress, where he quickly made a mark for his fierce patriotism and energy. By the late 1930s, Bose had risen to become the Congress President. However, his views on how to achieve freedom often clashed with those of Mahatma Gandhi. Whereas Gandhi favored non-violent resistance, Bose believed in militant nationalism and was ready to use every possible means—including armed struggle—to attain independence.

Due to these differences, Bose resigned as Congress President in 1939 but did not quit the freedom struggle. Instead, he formed the Forward Bloc to unite those who supported a more aggressive fight against the British. His journey took a daring turn in 1941 when he escaped house arrest in India and traveled secretly overseas. Bose reached Germany and then Japan, building alliances with Axis powers during World War II to gain support for India’s independence.

This period of his life was filled with constant danger. He was arrested and imprisoned multiple times, but Bose never gave up. His relentless spirit showed in every decision he made—refusing compromise, always choosing action over passivity. His courage inspired many Indians to believe that freedom was within reach if only they dared to fight for it.

In 1995, Sandeep Unnikrishnan embarked on the rigorous path of the National Defence Academy. The NDA’s training is famously tough—physically grueling and emotionally demanding. It is designed not just to build soldiers but leaders who can inspire and endure. Sandeep’s time at NDA and later at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) was characterized by hard work, discipline, and a pursuit of excellence.

Commissioned into the Bihar Regiment in 1999, he soon faced the realities of warfare during Operation Vijay in Kargil. The harsh terrains and hostile conditions of Kargil demanded not only physical stamina but mental toughness and tactical acumen. These early battles were formative, molding him into a soldier respected by peers and commanders alike. His steady promotions to Captain in 2003 and then Major in 2005 reflected not just seniority but demonstrated merit and leadership.

Sandeep’s training milestones stand out as well. Twice topping the prestigious Ghatak course—a program that tests infantry commandos’ elite skills—he also trained at the High Altitude Warfare School. These rigorous courses prepared him for diverse environments, be it the icy heights of Siachen, the tricky terrains of Jammu & Kashmir, or the riot-prone zones in Gujarat. His postings across Rajasthan and Hyderabad further added to his broad experience. This varied exposure sharpened his tactical expertise and broadened his adaptability.

The pinnacle of his career was his selection into the National Security Guard (NSG), India’s elite counter-terrorism unit. His specialist training there polished his skills in hostage rescue, urban warfare, and rapid response. Throughout, Major Unnikrishnan displayed a ceaseless zeal for learning and improving, reflecting his personal creed of excellence and duty.

In 1913, Dadasaheb Phalke created Raja Harishchandra, India’s first full-length feature film.

The making of the film was not easy:

• There were no professional actors available; men had to play female roles due to societal restrictions.
• Financial resources were scarce; Phalke sold his wife’s jewelry to fund the film.
• Equipment and film reels were imported at high costs.
• He had to personally train actors, handle the camera, manage lighting, and oversee editing.

Despite these challenges, the film premiered at Coronation Cinema in Mumbai on 3 May 1913, marking the birth of Indian cinema. The silent film, based on the mythological story of King Harishchandra, received tremendous appreciation from audiences.

Raja Harishchandra proved that films could become a powerful medium of storytelling in India, and Phalke earned the well-deserved title of “Father of Indian Cinema.”