Why Does India Celebrate National Unity Day On Sardar Patel’s Birth Anniversary?

Today, October 31, is a special day for India. It’s National Unity Day, also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. We celebrate this day to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister. 

Sardar Vallabhbhai was born on this day in 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat. Sardar Patel was a key figure in our fight for freedom from British rule. But what makes him really stand out is his role after we got our independence in 1947.

Back then, India was not the united country we know today. It was a land of many small princely states. Each one had its own ruler and many were not sure if they wanted to be part of India. 

Sardar Patel stepped in and took charge. He talked to the rulers and convinced them to join India. Thanks to him, our map looked a lot more like the one we know today. He was often called the “Iron Man of India” because of his strong will and determination.

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In 2014, the Indian government decided that Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary should be celebrated as National Unity Day. The idea is to remind us all how strong we are when we stand together. 

The day aims to celebrate the spirit of unity in our country. It tells us that no matter where we come from, what language we speak, or what religion we follow, we are all Indians first.

In 2018, a big statue called the “Statue of Unity” was built in Gujarat. This statue is the tallest in the world and it’s there to honor Sardar Patel. Standing at 182 meters, it’s a big symbol of how unity can make us strong and great.

So, today is not just any day. It’s a day to remember a great man who made our country what it is. It’s a day to celebrate being Indian and to remind ourselves that we are always stronger together.