National Unity Day

Every year, on October 31, India observes National Unity Day, also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas since 2014. 

This significant day commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a pivotal figure in India's struggle for independence and the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on 31st October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat. A successful lawyer by profession, his life encountered a turning point when Mahatma Gandhi chose him as his deputy commander to lead the Kheda Satyagraha in 1918. Thus, as the leader of a peasants’ protest, he found the trajectory of his life turning towards a path of public service. In 1924, he was elected President of the Ahmedabad Municipal Board. Taking charge, he revamped the drainage, sanitation, cleanliness and water distribution systems of Ahmedabad. To their sheer awe, the citizens witnessed the President of the Board taking up a broom and dust cart himself, and cleaning the Harijan quarter of the city. In him, the city of Ahmedabad found a new hero.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel became increasingly involved with the struggle for independence. It was his role in the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 that elevated him to a new pinnacle of national glory. The peasant movement that became a subject of great discussion across the nation demonstrated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s organizational capacity and enthusiasm for tireless action. It was here that he earned the title of ‘Sardar’, the fond epithet by which he continues to be remembered and revered. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel went on to become one of the foremost pillars of the national struggle for freedom.

At the time of Independence, India consisted of British India and the Princely States. There were 17 British Indian provinces, and the Princely States- comprising about two fifths of the geographic territory of the country- numbered more than 560. While the Indian Independence Act ceded control of British India to the Indian Government, rulers of the Princely States were given the option to decide whether they wanted to accede to India or Pakistan or neither. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel stepped in to ensure the accession of the princely states and integrate them into the Union of India. On 15 August 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took oath as the first Deputy Prime Minister, as well as the first Home Minister of independent India. He also took charge of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

Renowned for his exceptional leadership and unyielding commitment to national integration, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is fondly remembered as the "Iron Man of India."

National Unity Day 2024

The celebration of National Unity Day is marked by various events and activities across the country. Government institutions, schools, and colleges
organize a number of events to spread awareness about the importance of unity.

One of the key highlights of the day is the Run for Unity, a nationwide marathon held to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of a united India.

Source : Ministry of Home Affairs