Salutations to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on National Unity Day-Puri

Jaswant Singh Puri/ October 31,2025

National Unity Day, also called ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’, is observed on 31st October, to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – the ‘Iron Man of India’. He led the historic integration of 560+ princely states. This day was introduced by the Government of India in 2014 to reaffirm India’s unity and integrity. In 2025, the day carries special significance to mark the 150 years of Patel’s birth, who was born on 31st October, 1875 in Nadiad, Gujrat.

He was a senior freedom fighter, organiser and practical nation-builder. He was the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India. He was the man with a vision and farsightedness who led the political integration of 560+ princely states after 1947. Statue of Unity in Gujrat is an iconic 182 metres tall tribute to India’s foremost statesman Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. In 2025, government communication emphasises youth participation, unity marches and the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat/Unity in Diversity”.

The Centre and the States are running youth-focused events under the Sardar @150 programme of ‘Ekta Padyatras’ across districts from October 31 to November 16, 2025 and a national 152 kilometre march from Karamsad to the Statue of Unity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 127th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on 26th October, 2025 eulogised Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his services and martial grandeur. The day serves as a poignant reminder that the essence of India lies not in uniformity but in its glorious diversity – woven together by the thread of national integration. The spirit of Sardar Patel’s unity extends beyond national borders, resonating with the universal ideal of harmony among all people. One of his famous quotes is remarkable: “Every citizen of India must remember that he is an Indian and he has every right in this country but with certain duties”. He also quoted once: “Manpower without unity is not a strength”. Let us strive to build a nation where every citizen feels a sense of belonging and pride in being an Indian.