National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2022:
Every year on October 31st, the nation observes National Unity Day, also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a.k.a. the Iron Man of India, will celebrate his 147th birthday this year.
October 2022 Current Affairs Quiz
National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2022: 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. In honour of Sardar Vallabhbha Patel, the government of India constructed the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel near the Narmada River in Gujarat which symbolizes the strength of unity in India. The main objective of the celebration is to uplift the nation’s unity and spread awareness about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contribution to Indian history.
National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2022: History
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day was introduced by the Indian government in 2014 to pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary for his extraordinary work in keeping India united. In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off an event called ‘Run for Unity’ in New Delhi and inaugurated the first National Unity Day event.
About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:
He was born in Nadiad, Gujarat, on October 31, 1875. He served as India’s first deputy prime minister and home minister. He played an important role in the integration of many Indian princely states to make an Indian federation.
At the time of independence, he 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. After the signing of the Gandhi–Irwin Pact, Patel was elected president of Congress for its 1931 session (Karachi).
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 integrating and making India a united (Ek Bharat) and an independent nation. He urged the people of India to come together and form Shresth Bharat in order to live in peace (Foremost India).He is also remembered as the ‘Patron saint of India’s civil servants as he established the modern all-India services system. The Statue of Unity at Kevadiya in the Narmada district of Gujarat (2018) was built in his honour.