Ekta Diwas: The Historical and Symbolic Significance of India’s National Unity Day on October 31, 2023
National Unity Day 2023: Comprehensive Information on India’s Observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31, Including Its History, Significance, and Commemoration
Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s inaugural Home Minister, earned the moniker “Sardar” (meaning “chief”) for his exceptional leadership abilities during the country’s fight for independence and, most notably, in the integration of princely states and the India-Pakistan War of 1947. In honor of his birth anniversary, India now celebrates it as National Unity Day, known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
Date:
The Government of India declared in 2014 that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary on October 31 will be celebrated as National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
History:
Declaring in 2014 that India will henceforth celebrate National Unity Day on October 31, the central government said in an official statement that this occasion “will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity, and security of our country.”
Vallabhbhai Patel was dubbed “Sardar” (chief) for his leadership skills in leading the country through the struggle for independence and beyond, and most notably during the integration of the princely states and the India-Pakistan War of 1947.
Sardar Patel achieved the incredible feat of persuading almost every single one of the 565 self-governing princely states, that had been released from British suzerainty, to accede to the Union of India. For his commitment to the national integration of the newly independent country, Sardar Patel earned the sobriquet “Iron Man of India”.
Significance
Celebration
On National Unity Day, a solemn pledge is recited in government offices:
“I solemnly pledge that I dedicate myself to preserve the unity, integrity, and security of the nation and also strive diligently to disseminate this message among my fellow countrymen. I take this pledge in the spirit of uniting my country, a feat made possible by the vision and actions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. I also firmly commit to making my own contribution to ensure the internal security of my country.”
According to official directives, all government offices, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and other public institutions are mandated to organize the pledge-taking ceremony on October 31 in observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
Additionally, the Ministry of Human Resource Development has issued guidelines allowing students in schools and colleges to participate in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge, with the aim of motivating them to actively uphold the unity and integrity of the nation.
