S. B. Patel

S. B. Patel

Shivabhai Bhailalbhai Patel, commonly known as S.B. Patel, was a London trained barrister, who arrived in Fiji, from India, on 24 December, 1927. He was a man of calm and philosophical nature and had considerable influence on Fiji politics, always working behind the scenes. Even the Government of Fiji used him as a channel of communication with Fiji Indian leadership.

He was born in the Kheda district of Gujarat in India and had worked with Gandhi when he initiated satyagraha in Kaira District, in 1918, to secure suspension of revenue assessment on failure of crops, then went to Rangoon and London. His decision to come to Fiji was the result of Dr Hamilton Beattie's correspondence with Henry S. L. Polak regarding the prblems of the Fiji Indians. Polak suggested that Patel go to Fiji to practise law and help organise the Indian community. He was reluctant at first, but at Gandhi's urging agreed to come to Fiji. While studying in London he met A.D. Patel and is credited with being responsible for getting him to come to Fiji. [cite book| last = Gillion| first = K. L | title = The Fiji Indians: Challenge to European Dominance 1920-1946| publisher =Australian National University Press, Canberra | year = 1977| pages = p. 133| id = ISBN 0-7081-1291-9 ]

On his arrival in Fiji, he had first-hand experience with the division among Fiji Indians when he was welcomed by two rival groups at Suva wharf, one led by Beattie and the other by Vishnu Deo. It was the mediation of S.B. Patel which led to the merger of the two rival organisations, each called Fiji Indian National Congress, to form a single national organisation in 1929.

He, together with A.D. Patel and Vishnu Deo planned tactics which led to Vishnu Deo moving a motion calling for common roll. S.B. Patel was actually present in the public gallery as Vishnu Deo moved the historic motion. After the walkout by Indian members, the Governor convened a meeting of Indian leaders and S.B. Patel was one of the delegates. In 1934, when the fight for common roll was being conducted from outside the Legislative Council, S.B. Patel chaired meetings called by the umbrella organisation, the Indian Association of Fiji.

During the 1943 sugar cane strike, it was through S.B. Patel, that a meeting was arranged between the Government and the Maha Sangh. When negotiations started for the 1950 cane contract, it was S.B. Patel who persuaded the five farmers' unions to work together. In 1976, when the National Federation Party (NFP) was hopelessly divided, it was again S.B. Patel who managed to get the two sides to patch up their differences and fight the March 1977 election as a united party. The NFP won this election.

See also

* Gujaratis in Fiji
* National Federation Party

References


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Patel — (Gujarati: પટેલ, paṭel, pronounced [pəʈel]) is a surname of Indian origin, originally meaning headman or village chief .[1] Patels are found in large numbers in Gujarat (see Gujarati people) Patels are basically Kurmis or Kunbis and are found in… …   Wikipedia

  • Patel — ist der Familienname folgender Personen: Amisha Patel (* 1979), indische Schauspielerin Dev Patel (* 1990), britischer Schauspieler Jabbar Patel (* 1942), indischer Theater und Filmregisseur Kamil Patel (* 1979), mauritischer Tennisspieler Kiran… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • PATEL (V.) — PATEL VALLABHAI (1875 1950) L’Inde moderne doit à Nehru son image et son rayonnement. Mais l’homme qui l’a édifiée pièce à pièce avec la patiente et indomptable obstination de ces hommes d’État dont l’histoire est avare fut Patel. «Si Patel avait …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • Patel Nagar — (Hindi: पटेल नगर) is a place in West Delhi and it is the subdivision of West Delhi District as like other subdivisions Rajouri Garden and Punjabi Bagh. AreaPatel Nagar is a large area and divided in some colonies likeWest Patel NagarEast Patel… …   Wikipedia

  • Patel, Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai — ▪ Indian statesman Introduction byname  Sardār Patel (Hindi: “Leader Patel”)   born Oct. 31, 1875, Nadiād, Gujarāt, India died Dec. 15, 1950, Bombay       Indian barrister and statesman, one of the leaders of the Indian National Congress during… …   Universalium

  • Patel —  Cette page d’homonymie répertorie des personnes (réelles ou fictives) partageant un même patronyme. Patel est un patronyme indien qui peut désigner : Amisha Patel (1979 ), actrice indienne de Bollywood. Dev Patel (1990 ), acteur… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Patel — This popular surname can be either Indian (Gujarati) or French, although the two (national) origins are completely different and have no association. The Indian Patel is one of a group of sub continent surnames such as Khan, Raja, and Singh,… …   Surnames reference

  • Patel Dahyabhai Vallabhbhai — Infobox Indian politician name = Patel Dahyabhai Vallabhbhai caption = birth date =Birth date and age|1945|3|10|df=y birth place =Daman and Diu residence = Daman and Diu death date = death place = constituency = Daman and Diu office = MP salary …   Wikipedia

  • Patel, Vallabhbhai (Jhaverbhai) — known as Sardar Patel born Oct. 31, 1875, Nadiad, Gujarat, India died Dec. 15, 1950, Bombay Indian statesman. Educated in India, he set up his own law office in 1900 and later studied law in Britain; he did not become involved in politics until… …   Universalium

  • Patel, Vallabhbhai (Jhaverbhai) — llamado Sardar Patel (31 oct. 1875, Nadiad, Gujarat, India–15 dic. 1950, Bombay). Estadista indio. Educado en India, estableció su propio bufete en 1900 y después estudió derecho en Gran Bretaña; no intervino en política sino hasta 1917. Al igual …   Enciclopedia Universal

  • Patel — noun of Indian origin (Hindu and Parsi) from a Gujarati word meaning village headsman …   Wiktionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”