DNA Explainer: Why is National Unity Day celebrated on Sardar Patel's birth anniversary?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial role in integrating 560 princely states into the Union of India. Patel was the first Home Minister of India.
October 31 marks the birth anniversary of India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Every year this day is celebrated as National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. This year marks the 145th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial role in integrating as many as 560 princely states into the Union of India. National Unity Day is observed to acknowledge the efforts of Sardar Patel to unite the nation. The BJP government in 2014 declared October 31 as the National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
His efforts towards national integration led Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to be referred to as the 'Iron Man of India'. Events and programmes are organised every year on October 31 to honour Vallabhbhai Patel's contributions. No theme has been declared for this year's National Unity Day celebrations so far.
Significance of National Unity Day
National Unity Day is observed every year to acknowledge the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to unite the nation.
In a country with diverse religions, languages, cultures and beliefs National Unity Day holds a special significance.
It provides an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of our country.
The National Unity Day also aims to spread awareness about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's contribution to Indian history.
On this day, people recall the great works of Sardar Patel and acknowledge them by celebrating Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
Different events, webinars and seminars are organised in different parts of the country every year on National Unity Day.
Statue of Unity
In memory of Sardar Patel, the Government of India has constructed the huge statue of the Iron Man near the Narmada River.
On Patel's 143rd anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.
It is the world's tallest statue with a height of 182 metres (597 feet) located on the Narmada River and faces the Sardar Sarovar Dam.