Inspired from the life and work of the Iron Man of India, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial Foundation officially identifies and honors those who are/have fought against great odds to ensure that they are able to drive long-term change in the country in various fields including education, agriculture, healthcare, holistic healing, woman empowerment, literature, arts, culture, music, rural welfare, sports, science, research, minority welfare as well as human rights and social activism.