Every year on the 31st of October, India celebrates the National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas). This special day is set aside to honor the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a figure of significant stature in Indian history. In recent news was the initiation of a seaplane service from Ahmedabad to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, launched by the Prime Minister.
Origin and Significance of National Unity Day
The tradition of celebrating National Unity Day started in 2014, initiated by the Government of India to acknowledge Patel’s immense contributions to the nation. Recognizing his birthday as the National Unity Day underlines the national recognition of Patel’s monumental service to the country. Numerous events mark this day annually, with activities such as the Run For Unity, a nationwide marathon aimed at increasing awareness about Patel’s noteworthy contributions, the National Unity pledge, and the Ekta Parade.
The Unveiling of the Statue of Unity
As a tribute to Patel, the Government unveiled the world’s tallest statue in Gujarat in 2018, aptly named the Statue of Unity. Towering at a stunning height of 182 meters, it attracts visitors from all over the world. It was also added to the ‘Eight Wonders’ of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in January 2020.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Life and Achievements
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on the 31st of October in 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat. His significant achievements include holding the first Home Minister’s position and serving as Deputy Prime Minister of India. Patel was the guiding force behind several committees in the Constituent Assembly of India, such as the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, the Committee on Minorities and Tribal and Excluded Areas, and the Provincial Constitution Committee.
Moreover, he integrated the farmer’s issues in the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 and the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 with the national freedom movement. The title ‘Sardar,’ meaning ‘a Chief or a Leader,’ was bestowed upon Vallabhbhai Patel by the women of Bardoli.
The “Iron Man of India” and His Ideologies
Patel is fondly remembered as the “Iron Man of India” for his critical role in uniting Indian princely states and integrating them into the Indian federation. He successfully convinced these states to align with the Indian Union. His appeal to the people of India to live together united under the banner of ‘Ek Bharat’ to create a foremost India (‘Shresth Bharat’) still echoes in initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, which promotes self-reliance in India.
Most notably, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is revered as the ‘Patron Saint of India’s Civil Servants’ for establishing the modern all-India services system. His life’s journey sadly ended on 15th December 1950 in Bombay.
This powerful leader’s legacy transcends time as his contributions continue to influence India’s unity and progress, celebrated annually on National Unity Day.
