VP Menon, Sardar Patel’s Right-Hand Man & Unsung Hero of India’s Unification

Although it was Patel who created the initial framework to influence the Indian princes to accede, it was Menon who did the groundwork.  [View this email in your browser]( The Story of the Integration of the Indian States In 1947, as the struggle for India’s freedom was raging on, the Indian National Congress and the Government of India declared one objective—to politically integrate the country. To accomplish this, the Department of States was established in June 1947 with two important men at the helm. One was the fearless leader who also moved on to become the first Deputy Prime Minister of India⁠—Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. [Yet, the person who continues to remain unsung was Patel’s right-hand man, VP Menon.]( Although it was Patel who created the initial framework to influence the Indian princes to accede, it was Menon who did the actual groundwork of coaxing them. He travelled from court to court, having endless eye-to-eye discussions and negotiations. While his wit and diplomacy were able to win over several of them, the task was arduous. To the extent where he had a close shave with death when an angered maharaja sprung out a gun and threatened to shoot him point-blank. Menon’s adventures and experiences are narrated in his book ⁠— The Story of the Integration of the Indian States —considered to be one of the most detailed works on the political integration of India. Monday was his 126th birth anniversary, and this is a good time to remember the man who played an instrumental role in ensuring that over 500 princely states seamlessly joined the Union of India. [Here's a glimpse into his incredible story.]( - Jovita Aranha [Read More]( [‘I Choose To Be Me’: Meet Eshan Hilal, A Belly Dancer Unlike Any Other You’ve Seen]( [Mom-Daughter Duo Reimagine Kerala’s ‘Thorthu Towel’, Empower 500 Weavers!]( [RIP Sir: Remembering KP Menon Jr, The IFS Officer Who Made Foreign Policy a Focus in India]( Bamboo and Gold-plated Brass Celebrations are a time for togetherness, love, joy and sharing. A time for pulling out all the stops, right? But all those rich, sugarheavy foods can take a toll on your health. This basket of delicious and healthy snacks, nut butter and honey from Green Canteen is just what you need to make the most of any celebration without sacrificing any of the feastings. [Buy Now]( Our Best Of The Day - [Rasgullas to Chickoos: A Doctor Answers 5 Questions Diabetics Always Need To Ask]( - [Refused a Nobel, This Unsung Indian Scientist’s Research Saved Millions of Lives]( - [Meet Ram Singh, the Meghalaya IAS Officer Who Won the Internet For Literally Walking the Talk!]( Do share this newsletter with all your friends and family on [Facebook]( [Twitter]( WhatsApp. And if you wish others to subscribe to The Better India's daily dose of positivity, do share [this URL]( with them. Thanks for reading! [Follow Us On: Facebook]( [Follow Us On: Twitter]( [Follow Us On: Instagram]( [Latest Updates: The Better India]( Copyright © 2019 The Better India, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted for it at our website. Our mailing address is: The Better India The Better India Office 402, 4th Floor, Prestige Feroze 74, Cunningham RoadBangalore 560052 India [Add us to your address book]( Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](. [Mailchimp Email Marketing](