Every year on October 31, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, also known as the National Unity Day, is observed to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the country's first home minister, who was instrumental in convincing numerous princely states to join the Union of India.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, often known as the Iron Man of India, will celebrate his 147th birthday this year. The primary goals of the festival are to strengthen national cohesion and raise knowledge of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's significance in Indian history.
History of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
The central government of India announced in 2014 that the country would now observe National Unity Day on October 31. In a formal statement, the government stated that this occasion would offer a chance to affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand both present and future threats to its unity, integrity, and security.
For his ability to lead the nation through the war for independence and beyond, most notably during the federation of the princely states and the India-Pakistan War of 1947, Vallabhbhai Patel was given the title "Sardar" (chief).
The amazing task of convincing nearly every one of the 565 princely nations that had been freed from British rule to join the Union of India was accomplished by Sardar Patel. Sardar Patel became known as "Iron Man of India" for his dedication to the country's national reunification following its declaration of independence.
Significance
In order to maintain our nation's unity, integrity, and security, the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas presents an opportunity to recognise the innate strength and resiliency of our people.
The world's tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was erected in Gujarat near the Narmada River by the Indian government as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbha Patel and to represent the power of Indian unity.
In government buildings on National Unity Day, the following pledge is read aloud:
“I solemnly pledge that I dedicate myself to preserve the unity, integrity, and security of the nation and also strive hard to spread this message among my fellow countrymen. I take this pledge in the spirit of unification of my country which was made possible by the vision and actions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. I also solemnly resolve to make my own contribution to ensure the internal security of my country.”
By official decree, the pledge-taking ceremony for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas must be organised by all government agencies, public sector enterprises (PSUs), and other public institutions on October 31.
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas vow can now be offered to students in schools and colleges, per guidelines from the ministry of human resource development. This will inspire them to work hard to uphold the nation's unity and integrity.
Celebration
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed with tremendous fervour in all public and private institutions, including schools, universities, and other educational settings, in the land of unity in diversity.
2019 saw Prime Minister Modi recite the National Unity Day Pledge at the Statue of Unity and watch the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade put on by the nation's various police units.
On Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, the Sardar Patel National Unity Award is also given out in recognition of outstanding and inspirational efforts made by individuals to further the cause of national integrity and unity.
Numerous cultural events are held in schools and colleges with the goal of fostering harmony.
