National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is annually observed across India on 31 October to commemorate the birth anniversary of the “Iron Man of India,” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October 1875), who was dubbed “Sardar” (chief) for his leadership skills.
- He was the first Deputy Prime Minister(Dy PM) and Home Minister of Independent India from 1947 to 1950.
- 31 October 2023 marks the 148th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Background:
i.In 2014, the Government of India (GoI) led by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi decided to observe Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary on October 31 as National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
- The day aimed to pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his great efforts to unite India.
ii.The first National Unity Day was observed on 31 October 2014.
About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:
i.He was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat and he was a lawyer by profession.
ii.In 1931, he was elected President of the Indian Nation Congress (INC) at its Karachi Session.
iii.On 15 August 1947, he took oath as the first Deputy Prime Minister, as well as the first Home Minister of independent India in the newly formed government under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
iv.He also took charge as India’s first Minister of Information and Broadcasting. He died on December 15, 1950 at Birla House in Bombay (now Mumbai) Maharashtra.
v.He played an integral role in the formation of All India Services system. Hence, he is also remembered as the “patron saint of India’s civil servants”
2023 Events:
Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture:
i.It is a series of lectures that was started in 1955. It is an annual feature organized by All India Radio (AIR) in memory of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
ii.As part of Prasar Bharati’s celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 31st October 2023.
- In 2023, Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture organised by Akashvani was delivered by Former President Ram Nath Kovind.
Note: Distinguished personalities like C. Rajagopalachari, Dr. Zakir Hussain, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and others have previously delivered this notable lecture.
Run for Unity Program:
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJ&E) observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31, 2023 and organized the ‘Run for Unity’ in Delhi, starting from Rajghat to Lal Quila.
Note: ‘Run For Unity’ was organized across India and Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off ‘Run For Unity’ at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi.
Events at the Statue of Unity:
i.On the occassion of National Unity Day, PM Modi paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat and witnessed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) parade, comprising marching contingents from the Border Security Force (BSF) and the state police force.
- 182 metres tall – Statue of Unity, inaugurated by PM Modi in 31st October 2018, is the world’s tallest statue.
ii.PM Modi also administered the oath of unity to the gathering during the event held at Kevadia in Narmada district, Gujarat. He also launched launch various development projects worth Rs 160 crore.
iii.He also addressed the Officer Trainees of the 98th Common Foundation Course in Aarambh 5.0.
PM Narendra Modi Inaugurated Gujarat’s 1st Steam Heritage Special Train on National Unity Day 2023
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Gujarat‘s 1st Steam Heritage Special Train at Ekta Nagar Kevadia Railway station in Gujarat. The 3-coach train will run from Ekta Nagar to Ahmedabad, providing rail connectivity to the world’s tallest statue, “Statue of Unity”, the memorial to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- This railway station serves as a primary gateway for tourists from across the country to witness the statue. This train is a tribute to the “Iron Man of India” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- The flagged-off ceremony was held on 31 October 2023 on the occasion of National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas), the commemoration of the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
