National Unity Day: The Foundation of True Freedom Is Unity

The National Unity Day is celebrated every year on October 31 to pay rich tribute to freedom fighter and independent India's first deputy prime minister and home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The day is also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. On this day, people around the country mark the day by participating in activities such as runs for unity to remember the intrinsic strength and resilience of the nation.

Recognising Sardar Patel for His Contribution in Bringing Independence and Uniting India
To mark his efforts in integrating and uniting India and his active involvement in Indian freedom movement, in 2014, the Government of India announced Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary as National Unity Day. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is also known as the 'Iron Man of India' or 'Loh Purush'. The official statement by Government of India for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is that the National Unity Day 'will provide 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.'

Sardar Patel was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's ideology and principles. Patel was considered to be the architect of new India and was instrumental in making a united India from more than 500 princely states and provinces.
In 1991, he was awarded the highest civilian award of 'Bharat Ratna' posthumously. To pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Statue of Unity was built in Gujarat. The Statue of Unity is the world's tallest statue, and its height is 182 meters. The statue was inaugurated by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at an event on October 31, 2018.

Early Life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Contribution Towards India's Independence Movement

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born in Gujarat on October 31, 1875. His full name is Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel. Sardar Patel completed graduation in law and later he travelled to England to become a barrister. He was also popularly known as Sardar Patel and was one of the well-known Indian politicians post-Independence when the British left the deeply divided country. He was given the title of 'Sardar' by Mahatma Gandhi and was called 'Sardar' or 'Chief' by women of Bardoli when he led Bardoli Satyagraha in 1928.
Sardar Patel actively participated in India's freedom struggle and volunteered in the Quit India Movement in 1942 while closely working with Mahatma Gandhi.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was called the founder of modern All India Services. Sardar Patel transformed the Indian Civil Services and changed it to Indian Administrative Services.
When the Britishers withdrew from India, the country was partitioned into two independent countries. That time was both a proud moment and challenging for Indians, as there were more than 500 princely provinces. Sardar Patel played an important role in integrating the independent provinces into a unified India after the partition of India and Pakistan. He is popularly known as a founding father of the Republic of India for this significant role.

Manpower Without Unity Is Not Strength Unless Harmonised and United Properly

Since 2019, in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, several thousands of people participated in 'Run for Unity' of India. This celebration brings people of all different religions and cultural beliefs to run in unity. The 'Run for Unity' was held to spread awareness about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's contribution to Indian history.
In October 31, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed and greeted the countrymen on the occasion of National Unity Day by paying rich tribute to Sardar Patel for his true dedication of his life for the ideals of 'Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat'. The Prime Minister elaborated on the concept of 'Ek Bharat' that gives equal opportunities to women, deprived, tribal and forest dwellers.
The Prime Minister stressed that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel wanted a strong, inclusive, sensitive and alert India, along with humility and development.

Conclusion: Sardar Patel, A Leader for Modern India

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a selfless leader, placing India's interests above anything else and he shaped India's destiny with single-minded dedication in building a modern and unified India that marches ahead as one of the largest economies.