Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister, played a crucial role in persuading many princely states to join the Union of India.
Because of his efforts towards national integration, Vallabhbhai Patel is often referred to as the “Iron Man of India ''. To honour his legacy, the government in 2014 declared October 31, his birth anniversary, as the National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
History
Since 2014, the government has been organising events and programmes on October 31 to honour Vallabhbhai Patel's contributions. Declaring his birth anniversary as National Unity Day in 2014, the Home Ministry said, “This day will be marked as a reminder of the strength of our nation and will highlight the resilience of our country towards dangers posed against our security, unity, and integrity.”
In his memory, The Statue of Unity, a colossal symbol of India's unity, stands tall on the banks of the Narmada river in Vadodara, Gujarat. The statue was unveiled in 2018. This year we will celebrate Vallabhbhai Patel's 146th birth anniversary.
Significance
Vallabhbhai Patel joined the Indian freedom movement to oppose British rule. His beliefs brought the nation together and laid the foundation of a strong India. Various events, webinars and seminars are organised across the country on this day.
No theme has been declared for this year's National Unity Day celebrations so far.
Freedom at Midnight OTT Release Date: Story About India’s Independence to be Available on SonyLIV "Some Perverted Powers...": PM Modi's Strong Message From Statue Of Unity From Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel To Amit Shah, India's Home Ministers Since Independence Gas Leak, Then Blast: CCTV Shows Moments After Jaipur Crash That Killed 11 11 Dead, Many Critical In Jaipur Fire As 2 Trucks Collide Outside Petrol Pump Atul Subhash's Mother Goes To Top Court For 4-Year-Old Grandson's Custody Scientists May Have Finally Figured Why Stonehenge Was Built Number Of Gas Leak Incidents More Than Doubled In Last Decade: Centre Putin Was Asked If He "Took Care" Of Russia In 25-Year Rule. His Reply Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.