National Unity Day

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas(National Unity Day), observed annually on 31^st October to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s role in unifying India, holds special significance in 2025 as it marks his 150^th birth anniversary. 

Key Points 

• National Unity Day: 
  • It embodies the values of unity, integrity, and inclusiveness championed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. 
  • It was first celebrated in 2014, following the Government’s decision to honour Patel’s monumental role in nation-building. 
  • During the 2015 observance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative to strengthen connections and cultural exchange among people of different regions. 

• Statue of Unity: 
  • On 31^st  October 2018, the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue at 182 meters (600 feet), was inaugurated at Kevadia, Gujarat, honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.  
  • Overlooking the Narmada River and the Sardar Sarovar Dam (the second largest gravity dam worldwide by concrete volume), the statue is situated on Sadhu Bet hillock. 
  • In 2020 India’s Statue of Unity was included in the list of eight wonders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). 

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

• Birth: Born on 31^st October 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat. 
  • His family belonged to the Lewa Patidar community. 
• Career: Completed law studies in England, earning a prize in Roman Law, and returned to India as a barrister in 1913. 
• Title and Legacy: Popularly known as the “Iron Man of India” for his determination and firm approach. He is revered as a symbol of national unity and resilience. 
• Political Rise:
  • Joining the National Movement: Patel was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and joined the freedom struggle. 
  • Kheda Satyagraha (1918): He played a pivotal role in Kheda Satyagraha demanding tax exemptions for farmers affected by crop failure due to drought. 
  • Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): Led the resistance during the Bardoli Satyagraha against an unjust tax increase, earning him the title “Sardar” for his leadership. 
• Role in the Indian National Movement:
  • Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience: Embraced Gandhi’s vision, leading actions like the Salt Satyagraha in 1930 and facing multiple imprisonments for his involvement. 
  • Presiding Over the Congress: Chaired the 46th session of the Congress in 1931, navigating through the Gandhi-Irwin Pact discussions. 
  • Quit India Movement (1942): Patel was arrested and imprisoned during this major phase of India’s freedom struggle. 
• Contributions Post-Independence:
  • Integration of Princely States: Spearheaded the integration of 562 princely states into the Indian Union, securing stability and democracy for millions.
    • The Indian Independence Act of 1947 allowed princely states to declare independence. 
  • Reinforcing India’s Civil Services: Patel was instrumental in establishing the modern All India Services, strengthening the administrative framework of the country.
    • Remembered as the “patron saint of India’s civil servants” for his contribution to reinforcing the bureaucratic system. 
    • National Civil Services Day (21st April) honors Sardar Patel’s 1947 speech, calling civil servants “the steel frame of India” and reinforcing their dedication to public service. 
  • Chairmanship and Committee Work: Led the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities, and Tribal and Excluded Areas in the Constituent Assembly.