National Unity Day | 31 Oct 2019

National Unity Day is celebrated every year on 31^st October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

It is also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
It was celebrated for the first time in 2014 with the aim to pay tribute to the ‘Iron man of India’ by remembering his extraordinary works for the country.
Several events are organized on this day like ‘Run For Unity’-a nationwide marathon to increase awareness about the contribution of Sardar Patel to national integrity, National Unity pledge, etc.
In 2018, the Government of India unveiled the ‘Statue of Unity’ in Gujarat in the honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- It is the tallest statue in the world.

Sardar Patel was born on 31^st October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat.
He was the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India.
He played an important role in the integration of many Indian princely states to make an Indian federation.
- At the time of independence, Sardar Patel played a key role in convincing several princely states to align with the Indian Union.
- He also worked hard as a social leader for the Independence of India.
Women of Bardoli bestowed the title ‘Sardar’ on Vallabhbhai Patel, which means ‘a Chief or a Leader’.
He is recognized as the real unifier of India for his colossal contribution to integrate and make India a united (Ek Bharat) and an independent nation.
- He requested the people of India to live together by uniting in order to create Shresth Bharat (Foremost India).
He is also remembered as the ‘Patron saint of India’s civil servants’ as he established the modern all-India services system.