Important Facts For Prelims
National Unity Day
- 31 Oct 2019
- 2 min read
National Unity Day is celebrated every year on 31st 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 Vallabhbhai Patel
- Sardar Patel was born on 31st 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.
