National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) 2023: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, also known as National Unity Day, is annually observed on October 31 to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first deputy prime minister and home minister of independent India and an Indian freedom fighter. His efforts were instrumental in uniting India, which at the time consisted of 565 semi-autonomous princely states and British-era colonial provinces. The commemoration of Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary has been elevated to the status of National Unity Day in recognition of his endeavors to unite India. The day is observed through various activities, including races for unity. Locals are encouraged to commemorate the nation’s inherent resilience and fortitude on this day.
National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas): An Historical Overview
In addition to being referred to as the Loh Purush, the Iron Man of India, Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel was born on October 31, 1875. Sardar Patel, as he is colloquially recognized, emerged as a prominent figure among Indian politicians subsequent to the British withdrawal from the ardently partitioned nation following independence. Sardar Patel assumed the role of the First Deputy Prime Minister of India during the tenure of Jawarharlal Nehru as prime minister.
Sardar Patel is widely recognized for his role as one of the Republic of India’s founding fathers. His pivotal involvement in the process of integrating the independent provinces into a unified India immediately following the partition of India and Pakistan explains why this occurred. In addition, he served as Home Minister throughout the 1947 Indo-Pakistani War and the political integration of India.
The Indian government officially established Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, also known as National Unity Day, in 2014. The country’s interior ministry issued the official statement regarding Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. The document states that National Unity Day “will afford an occasion to reassert the intrinsic fortitude and perseverance of our nation in the face of present and potential perils to its integrity, unity, and security.”
National Unity Day is now observed on the anniversary of Sardar Patel’s birth, in recognition of his endeavors to unite India. This event is Rashtriya Ekta Diwas as well. The ‘Unifier of India’ was honoured on this day with the Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the globe! The stature of Sardar Patel, to which it is devoted, measures around 597 feet in height. The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on October 31, 2018.
Running for Unity was another event conducted on October 31, 2019 to raise awareness about the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to Indian history. Thousands of individuals participated in the run that commenced from the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi in observance of his 144th birthday. The location of the nearly one-mile run was India Gate C-Hexagon Road, Shah Jahan Road. The ‘Iron Man’s’ unheralded efforts during the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas shaped both the nation and the concept of Hindus and Muslims coexisting within its borders.
Activities on National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas)
Strive for unity
Thousands of individuals have run for unity since 2019 in support of Sardar Patel’s vision for a unified India. If you are unable to attend a run in the city, assemble family and friends for a jog in the neighborhood. Even for Indians residing abroad, this is an ideal occasion to not only engage in physical activity but also unite individuals of diverse religious and cultural affiliations in a unified run. The message is the substance of the run.
Learn more about the history of India
It is crucial to possess a minimum of some understanding of India’s turbulent and fascinating past. The British formally departed in 1947, marking a turning point in world history with the independence of India. In addition, India was partitioned into two independent nations—Pakistan and India—upon the British withdrawal. Indians endured both a period of great pride and difficulty, which resulted in profound rifts between individuals and families. It is highly recommended to review significant historical facts.
Rejoice in harmony
Embrace the essence of India by cordially inviting family and friends to partake in a festivity. If you have Indian friends but are not of Indian descent, now could be a good moment to extend your best wishes and share a message concerning the significance of patriotism and unity.
Five noteworthy facts regarding Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Sardar Patel served as India’s inaugural Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.
- Initially, the ‘Iron Man’ had no interest in politics; it was not until 1917, when he met Gandhi, that he was inspired to quit his position and join the Independence Struggle.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel advocated for self-government, or Swaraj, and organized nonviolent civil disobedience among the peasantry of Gujarat against the British.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel devoted considerable effort to promoting the rights of women and minority groups, as well as combating untouchability and caste prejudice.
- His wife Jhaverba died at the tender age of 33, but he never remarried out of such profound affection for her.
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National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) 2023: Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 31 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | October 31 | Thursday |
| 2025 | October 31 | Friday |
| 2026 | October 31 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October 31 | Sunday |
 2023: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed on October 31 to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.){kind=link}