October 31 marks National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) in India, celebrated in memory of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his formidable role in consolidating the princely states after independence. Like every year, this day was observed as his 150th birth anniversary.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be offering floral tribute at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat, in the morning, where the Statue of Unity stands.
In 1947, when Indian subcontinent was partitioned into two nation-states, the country at that time had 560 princely states. Sardar Patel, also termed as the “Iron Man of India”, took on the mission of uniting these divided princely states. He served as the head of the States Department, and used his office to negotiate and integrate the states become part of new India.
His contributions shaped the secular idea of India that could stand together despite the diverse cultural and ethnic differences.
Patel also set up the All-India Services to keep the country’s administration steady. These services were meant to serve every part of India and keep it working as one system. Even today, this structure continues to support the idea of a single, connected nation.
His Formidable Legacy
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was first observed in 2014 to honor Patel’s contribution. The following year, the government began the “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” programme to continue his message.
The programme connects different states and union territories through exchanges in culture, education, and language. It encourages people of India to learn from one another and to see the country as one community rather than separate parts.
Activities under this programme include Bhasha Sangam, Yuva Sangam, and Kashi Tamil Sangamam, which bring students and young people from different regions together. Online platforms like the My Bharat portal and the EBSB quiz also help people learn about each other’s languages, traditions, and daily lives.
These efforts extend the message of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, throughout the year.
Marking Sardar’s 150th anniversary
October 31 observance at Ekta Nagar will include a parade with participants from states, union territories, and security forces.
The unique feature of this year’s unity march will be marching contingent of Indian breed dogs—the Rampur and Mudhol Hounds—from the Border Security Force (BSF). Floats from different states will carry the theme “Vividhta Mein Ekta,” or unity in diversity.
From November 1 to November 15, a Bharat Parv will be held at Ekta Nagar with cultural performances, exhibitions, and regional food events.
The festival will end with a day honoring Birsa Munda Jayanti on November 15, recognizing the role of tribal communities in India’s history.
Across the country, people will join the “Run for Unity,” a public event that brings together citizens from all walks of life. In national capital of New Delhi, the run will take place from Rajghat to Red Fort, with thousands of students, volunteers, and persons with disabilities taking part.
The event is meant to remind people that unity is built through shared effort.
Unity March
The Sardar@150 Unity March, organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is another part of this year’s observance. The march includes local events such as debates, essay writing, and padyatras about Patel’s life. The unity march will end with a 152-kilometre walk from Karamsad, Patel’s birthplace, to the Statue of Unity.
Along the way, volunteers will plant trees, clean local areas, and hold health camps. The idea is to connect Patel’s work with the everyday life of people and communities.
Marking 150 years since Sardar Patel’s birth is not only about looking back but also about what his work means today. His belief that India’s strength lies in its togetherness still matters. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is not just a formal day of remembrance.
In the words of PM Modi, it is a time to think about what holds the country together—shared responsibility, respect for each other, and the will to stay united.
The observance is about developing the link between the past with the present and reminding the youngsters about their responsibilities towards building the nation.
When citizens take part in the Run for Unity, the marches, or the cultural exchanges, they keep Patel’s idea of one India alive. The meaning of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas therefore lies in simple acts that connect people, in the form of listening, learning, and working together as as the nation. The day is reminder for all that unity is not given; it is built every day through the choices people make together.
Courtesy: PIB Srinagar
