Decade after facelift, Sardar Patel’s school faces neglect | Vadodara News

Heritage Site Hit By Complaints Of Poor Maintenance, Access Issues

Vadodara: More than a decade after it was restored to honour the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the primary school in Karamsad where India’s Iron Man studied during Classes I to III is once again facing allegations of neglect.Locals and visitors claim that the memorial premises are often found locked, the surroundings remain unclean, washrooms are poorly maintained and parts of the site emit a foul smell — conditions they say undermine the dignity of a place associated with one of the country’s most revered leaders.The school, once reduced to a crumbling and abandoned structure, had undergone a major revival in 2014 following years of public demands and sustained efforts to preserve a lesser-known chapter of Sardar Patel’s life. The restored building was rechristened “Sardar Smruti Shala” and inaugurated by former Gujarat chief minister Anandiben Patel on Oct 31, 2014.Before its restoration, the Anand district property had remained neglected for years and was, at times, used as a dumping ground. Its deteriorating condition had triggered criticism from residents and heritage enthusiasts, particularly at a time when large-scale projects commemorating Sardar Patel were taking shape elsewhere in the country.Originally under the control of the Sardar Patel Trust, the property was transferred to the Karamsad Nagarpalika — now the Karamsad-Anand Municipal Corporation — after a sustained campaign by local residents.With financial support from the state govt, the site was redeveloped at a cost of over Rs 1 crore. Besides restoring the structure, authorities established an exhibition gallery dedicated to Sardar Patel and a crèche facility for children.Yet, despite the investment and historical significance of the landmark, concerns over upkeep and accessibility have resurfaced.“It is disheartening to see that after so many efforts, the historic place is again facing neglect,” said Rashesh Patel, a Karamsad native who has extensively researched Sardar Patel’s life.“High-profile visitors and delegations regularly visit Sardar Patel’s ancestral home and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Veer Vithalbhai Patel Memorial, but many overlook this school. Greater public attention would naturally improve its upkeep. The spacious rooms could also be put to better use through library activities and community programmes. There are locals willing to support such initiatives,” he added.Anand BJP MLA Yogesh Patel however, maintained that the premises appeared well-maintained during his last visit as part of the Shala Praveshotsav enrolment drive.“There is an anganwadi operating from the premises, a Jan Seva Kendra where Aadhaar-related services are provided, and an exhibition gallery displaying photographs and material related to Sardar Patel,” he said.The legislator nevertheless assured that he would examine the complaints and ensure appropriate action is taken to improve upkeep of the memorial.“There is a possibility that the premises were locked because of vacation, but I will look into the matter,” he added.