National Unity Day History

Many individuals wonder about the significance of National Unity Day in India. The day was established by the Indian government in 2014 to honor the remarkable contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the anniversary of his birth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the inaugural Rashtriya Ekta Diwas event in New Delhi, themed “Run For Unity.”

India is a country that showcases an impressive blend of diverse cultures, traditions, religions, and languages. During a time when the nation was divided into princely states and British India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel advocated for unity. Observing this day reinforces the nation’s strength and resilience, fostering unity, integrity, and security.

National Unity Day 2024 – Significance

The celebration of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas reflects the nation’s strength and resilience by promoting unity, integrity, and camaraderie. Patel played a pivotal role in convincing all 565 autonomous princely states to join India following independence from British colonial rule.

In addition, to honor the significant contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Government of India has unveiled the world’s tallest statue of him, standing at 182 meters, near the Narmada River in Gujarat. This statue, known as the “Statue of Unity,” symbolizes the strength of unity in India and is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. It was designed by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar.

To commemorate the day, the government also hosts the Sardar Patel National Unity Award to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of individuals toward national unity and integrity. Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, organize various cultural activities. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel passed away on December 15, 1950, after experiencing a heart attack and declining health.

National Unity Day Theme 2024

The theme for National Unity Day 2024 has not yet been officially revealed. Celebrated on October 31, this day honors the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, often referred to as the “Iron Man of India,” due to his crucial role in unifying the nation after independence. The day features activities such as the Run for Unity, pledge ceremonies, cultural events, and educational programs aimed at fostering national unity and integrity.

How is National Unity Day Celebrated?
Each year, National Unity Day is celebrated across the nation to honor the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel through various events. In the morning, a floral tribute is paid to the statue of Sardar Patel at Patel Chowk in New Delhi.

The Indian government organizes several programs to celebrate the occasion, including the “Run for Unity” and a pledge-taking ceremony, which features a march conducted by the Indian police with the National Unity Day slogan.

The second program takes place in government offices, public sectors, and public institutions, where a pledge-taking ceremony is held. Employees and staff from municipal corporations in various cities participate in the National Unity Pledge, exchange National Unity Day wishes, and then join the Run for Unity event.

The third event features a march past by the police, along with participants from scouts, guides, NCC, NSS, and more. This event is organized in major cities and district towns. Additionally, students from schools and colleges engage in various cultural activities, such as poster making to promote unity and brotherhood, essay writing, speech presentations, quiz competitions, painting, art-making contests, and debates on diverse topics. The primary goal of organizing these events on October 31, National Unity Day, is to foster national integration among the people of India and to uphold the unity and security of the nation.

Facts About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
India’s first home minister and the first deputy prime minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, died at 75. He was popularly known as the “Iron Man of India.”

He was born on October 31st, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat.

On January 5, 1917, Patel was elected councillor of the Ahmedabad municipality for the first time. Later in 1924, he was elected president of Ahmedabad municipality.

He played a significant role in integrating several princely Indian states to form an Indian federation.

During independence, he acknowledged several princely states to accept the Indian union.

After signing Gandhi–Irwin Pact, he was elected president of Congress for its 1931 session.

He was also associated with the Indian National Congress (INC) as the secretary of the Gujarat Sabha (Gujarat Wing of INC) and as the President of the INC session held in Karachi

Women of Bardoli honoured him with the title of “Sardar” on Vallabhbhai Patel.

He is renowned for his firm stance on unifying the princely states into a single nation, his advocacy for women’s empowerment, and his leadership in transforming India into a united country.

The Statue of Unity, located in the Narmada district of Gujarat and completed in 2018, was erected in his honor.

On this National Unity Day, let’s honor the spirit of togetherness and the incredible contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. May we all strive for unity and integrity in our diverse nation.

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