National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) is celebrated in India on 31 October as a homage to that “national unity”. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister, who played an important role in persuading many princely states to join the Union of India.
The official statement for National Unity Day by the Home Ministry of India cites that the National Unity Day "will provide an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of our country.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas: History
It was in 2014 Government of India declared that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary on October 31 will be celebrated as National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, known as Sardar, was an Indian barrister and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress who played an active role in the Indian freedom struggle. He later served as the first Deputy Prime Minister of India from 1947 to 1950. He acted as Home Minister during the political integration of India and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. He is always remembered for his extraordinary works for the country and its integration into a united, independent nation.
RASHTRIYA EKTA DIWAS PLEDGE
“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.”
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