Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is observed on October 31. The day was introduced by Govt. of India and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. The intent is to pay tribute to Patel, who was instrumental in keeping India united. It is to be celebrated on 31 October every year as annual commemoration of the birthday of the Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the founding leaders of Republic of India. This year, 2015, marks the 140th anniversary of Sardar Ji.
The Run for Unity campaign is the key highlight to pay tribute to the efforts made by Sardar Patel to unite India. A nationwide marathon took place on the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remembered former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary, who was assassinated 30 years ago October 31 by her own bodyguards.
The reason behind to mark his birthday as National Unity Day is, during his term as Home Minister of India, he is credited for integration of over 550 independent princely states into India from 1947-49 by Independence Act (1947).
Do you Know?
- Patel played a key leadership role in organising peasant movements in Kheda, Borsad and Bardoli in Gujarat and promoted the Quit India Movement against the British Raj.
- He was the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India.
- He is known as the Iron Man of India or Bismarck of India and he is also remembered as the Patron Saint of India’s civil servants for establishing modern all-India services.
- He was barrister who studied in London and practiced in Godhra, Borsad and Anand places of Gujarat.
Try It…
Who is Bismarck?
The Sardar Vallabhai Patel’s statue, which is under construction is known as
