<p>Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first home minister of independent India, was born on October 31, 1875, and his birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day in India. He is credited for the merger of over 560 princely states into the Union of India post-independence.</p>

<p>The government of India in 2014 declared the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas'. The day celebrates India's unity and pays tribute to Patel's efforts to keep the country united.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizens-dont-have-right-to-know-sources-of-political-parties-fundings-indian-govt-to-supreme-court-653220">Citizens don’t have right to know sources of political parties' fundings: Indian govt to Supreme Court</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>History</strong></h2>

<p>The national government of India announced in 2014 that October 31 will be celebrated as National Unity Day. The official statement read:&nbsp;"The 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.”</p>

<p>Sardar Patel achieved the amazing feat of convincing nearly all 565 princely nations that had gained independence from British rule to join the Union of India. The nickname "Iron Man of India" was given to Sardar Patel in recognition of his dedication to the national integration of the recently independent nation.</p>

<p>Vallabhbhai Patel was also dubbed as 'Sardar' for his leadership and compassion.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-to-meet-to-discuss-delivery-of-last-s-400-squadrons-653318">India, Russia to meet to discuss delivery of last S-400 squadrons</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Significance</strong></h2>

<p>Vallabhbhai Patel's vision for India was one of a united and prosperous nation where all citizens could live in harmony. The occasion provides an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and show Indian citizens how national integrity helps in defeating the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of the nation.</p>

<h2><strong>Celebrations</strong></h2>

<p>Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi paid tribute to Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. In an X post, the PM said, "On the Jayanti of Sardar Patel, we remember his indomitable spirit, visionary statesmanship and the extraordinary dedication with which he shaped the destiny of our nation. His commitment to national integration continues to guide us. We are forever indebted to his service."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On the Jayanti of Sardar Patel, we remember his indomitable spirit, visionary statesmanship and the extraordinary dedication with which he shaped the destiny of our nation. His commitment to national integration continues to guide us. We are forever indebted to his service.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1719159395022787035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>On the occasion, a floral tribute was presented to the Sardar Patel statue at Patel Chowk, Parliament Street, New Delhi. The Indian government will commemorate this day with several events, including a Run for Unity, a pledge-taking ceremony and a March Past by Indian police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Run for Unity initiative takes place in a number of rural locations as well as in large cities and district towns. Young people from a variety of educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, the National Cadet Corps, and the National Service Scheme&nbsp;actively participate in the programme.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first home minister of independent India, was born on October 31, 1875, and his birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day in India.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first home minister of independent India, was born on October 31, 1875, and his birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day in India. He is credited for the merger of over 560 princely states into the Union of India post-independence. The government of India in 2014 declared the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas'. The day celebrates India's unity and pays tribute to Patel's efforts to keep the country united. Also read: Citizens don’t have right to know sources of political parties' fundings: Indian govt to Supreme Court History The national government of India announced in 2014 that October 31 will be celebrated as National Unity Day. The official statement read: "The 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.” Sardar Patel achieved the amazing feat of convincing nearly all 565 princely nations that had gained independence from British rule to join the Union of India. The nickname "Iron Man of India" was given to Sardar Patel in recognition of his dedication to the national integration of the recently independent nation. Vallabhbhai Patel was also dubbed as 'Sardar' for his leadership and compassion. Also read: India, Russia to meet to discuss delivery of last S-400 squadrons Significance Vallabhbhai Patel's vision for India was one of a united and prosperous nation where all citizens could live in harmony. The occasion provides an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and show Indian citizens how national integrity helps in defeating the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of the nation. Celebrations Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. In an X post, the PM said, "On the Jayanti of Sardar Patel, we remember his indomitable spirit, visionary statesmanship and the extraordinary dedication with which he shaped the destiny of our nation. His commitment to national integration continues to guide us. We are forever indebted to his service." On the Jayanti of Sardar Patel, we remember his indomitable spirit, visionary statesmanship and the extraordinary dedication with which he shaped the destiny of our nation. His commitment to national integration continues to guide us. We are forever indebted to his service. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2023 × On the occasion, a floral tribute was presented to the Sardar Patel statue at Patel Chowk, Parliament Street, New Delhi. The Indian government will commemorate this day with several events, including a Run for Unity, a pledge-taking ceremony and a March Past by Indian police. The Run for Unity initiative takes place in a number of rural locations as well as in large cities and district towns. Young people from a variety of educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, the National Cadet Corps, and the National Service Scheme actively participate in the programme. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

National Unity Day 2023: Here's why we celebrate Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary as Ekta Diwas

<p>On the occasion of National Unity Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Statue of Unity in Gujarat and paid tribute&nbsp;to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Patel was India’s first Home Minister and his birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi commemorated&nbsp;Sardar Patel as a visionary leader and administered the National Unity Day pledge to the public at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat. He paid floral tributes and also performed ‘jalabhishek’ (showered water) at the feet of Sardar Patel’s statue in Kevadia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizens-dont-have-right-to-know-sources-of-political-parties-fundings-indian-govt-to-supreme-court-653220">Citizens don’t have right to know sources of political parties' fundings: Indian govt to Supreme Court</a></p>

<p>Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister promoted&nbsp;the message of the spirit of unity and brotherhood in the society.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi at National Unity Day event in Gujarat</strong></h2>

<p>Addressing an event on National Unity Day, PM Modi called to make India a developed country in the next 25 years. He said that the next 25 years will be the most important for the country. Modi emphasised that India stood as a beacon of hope when the world was facing very high inflation, which shows that India has the spirit to deliver and become a world leader.</p>

<p>He also threw light on appeasement politics and said that it is the worst thing that is taking place in the country. He mentioned Section 370 and said that the “wall of Sec 370” between India and Kashmir has been removed which helped the people of Kashmir to come out of the shadows of terrorism.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Dignitaries pay respect to Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, PM Modi remembered Sardar Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India, for his indomitable spirit and visionary statesmanship.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;in Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and several other dignitaries also offered floral tributes to Sardar Patel at Patel Chowk on his birth anniversary.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ed-summons-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-on-november-2-for-questioning-over-excise-policy-case-653230">India: ED summons Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on November 2 for questioning over excise policy case</a></p>

<p>In a post on X, Shah said unity and prosperity of India was the sole purpose of Patel’s life.</p>

<p>"Sardar Saheb's dedicated life to the nation and nation-building work as the country's first Home Minister will always inspire us. Tributes to Iron Man Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary and best wishes to all the countrymen on Rashtriya Ekta Divas (National Unity Day)," he wrote.</p>

<p>Born in Gujarat in 1875, Sardar Patel was a lawyer and emerged as a leading Congress leader and associate of Mahatma Gandhi during the independence struggle. As the first Home Minister of independent India, he put efforts to unite hundreds of princely states into the Union of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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On the occasion of National Unity Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Statue of Unity in Gujarat and paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Patel was India’s first Home Minister and his birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day in the country.

On the occasion of National Unity Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Statue of Unity in Gujarat and paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Patel was India’s first Home Minister and his birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day in the country. PM Modi commemorated Sardar Patel as a visionary leader and administered the National Unity Day pledge to the public at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat. He paid floral tributes and also performed ‘jalabhishek’ (showered water) at the feet of Sardar Patel’s statue in Kevadia. Also Read | Citizens don’t have right to know sources of political parties' fundings: Indian govt to Supreme Court Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister promoted the message of the spirit of unity and brotherhood in the society. PM Modi at National Unity Day event in Gujarat Addressing an event on National Unity Day, PM Modi called to make India a developed country in the next 25 years. He said that the next 25 years will be the most important for the country. Modi emphasised that India stood as a beacon of hope when the world was facing very high inflation, which shows that India has the spirit to deliver and become a world leader. He also threw light on appeasement politics and said that it is the worst thing that is taking place in the country. He mentioned Section 370 and said that the “wall of Sec 370” between India and Kashmir has been removed which helped the people of Kashmir to come out of the shadows of terrorism. Dignitaries pay respect to Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary Earlier in the day, PM Modi remembered Sardar Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India, for his indomitable spirit and visionary statesmanship. Meanwhile, in Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and several other dignitaries also offered floral tributes to Sardar Patel at Patel Chowk on his birth anniversary. Also Read | India: ED summons Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on November 2 for questioning over excise policy case In a post on X, Shah said unity and prosperity of India was the sole purpose of Patel’s life. "Sardar Saheb's dedicated life to the nation and nation-building work as the country's first Home Minister will always inspire us. Tributes to Iron Man Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary and best wishes to all the countrymen on Rashtriya Ekta Divas (National Unity Day)," he wrote. Born in Gujarat in 1875, Sardar Patel was a lawyer and emerged as a leading Congress leader and associate of Mahatma Gandhi during the independence struggle. As the first Home Minister of independent India, he put efforts to unite hundreds of princely states into the Union of India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

National Unity Day: PM Modi pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary

At Kyiv's Olympic stadium, dozens of people unfolded a 200 meter-long Ukrainian flag, waving it to the beat of patriotic music to show unity against fears of a Russian invasion on Wednesday.

National Day of Unity: Ukrainians raise flags to defy Russia invasion fears

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-floral-tribute-to-sardar-vallabhbhai-patel-at-statue-of-unity-258919">paid floral tribute</a> to India's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Statue of Unity on the occasion of his 144th birth anniversary. Addressing an event at Gujarat's Kevadia, PM Modi said that "Sardar Sahib always spoke about unity of purpose, unity of aim and unity of endeavour."</p>

<p>The prime minister stated that the 'Run for Unity' program is being held today across the country. "I thank every citizen for participating in this program. India is known for 'unity in diversity’; it is our pride and our identity," he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kevadia: 'Run for Unity' program is being held in different cities &amp; villages across the country today. I thank every citizen for participating in this program. India is known for 'unity in diversity’; it is our pride and our identity. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/jTKIUvM0LB">pic.twitter.com/jTKIUvM0LB</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1189758830097260544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking on the Ntaional Unity Day, PM Modi hailed his government's decision to abrogate Article 370 and said that the special provision was the reason behind separatism and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh officially become separate Union Territories today.</p>

<p>On the occasion, the prime minister said that "I am happy that from today all the government employees of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh will be getting the benefits under the 7th Pay Commission as granted to the employees of other Union Territories".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM: Article 370 only gave separatism &amp; terrorism to J&amp;K. It was the only place in the country where Article 370 was present, where in last 3 decades, over 40,000 people got killed&amp;several mothers lost their sons due to terrorism. Now this wall of Article 370 has been demolished. <a href="https://t.co/2sYvtAsCEO">pic.twitter.com/2sYvtAsCEO</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1189766023907405834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hailing the abrogation of Article 370, the prime minister said that the Article "only gave separatism and terrorism to J&amp;K".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It was the only place in the country where Article 370 was present, where in last 3 decades, over 40,000 people got killed and several mothers lost their sons due to terrorism. Now this wall of Article 370 has been demolished".</p>

<p>"Those who can't win a war against us are challenging our unity. They try to break our unity and try to groom separatism. Our unity is being challenged. They forget that no one could defeat this unity," he said.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid floral tribute to India's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Statue of Unity on the occasion of his 144th birth anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid floral tribute to India's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Statue of Unity on the occasion of his 144th birth anniversary. Addressing an event at Gujarat's Kevadia, PM Modi said that "Sardar Sahib always spoke about unity of purpose, unity of aim and unity of endeavour." The prime minister stated that the 'Run for Unity' program is being held today across the country. "I thank every citizen for participating in this program. India is known for 'unity in diversity’; it is our pride and our identity," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kevadia: 'Run for Unity' program is being held in different cities & villages across the country today. I thank every citizen for participating in this program. India is known for 'unity in diversity’; it is our pride and our identity. #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/jTKIUvM0LB — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2019 × Speaking on the Ntaional Unity Day, PM Modi hailed his government's decision to abrogate Article 370 and said that the special provision was the reason behind separatism and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh officially become separate Union Territories today. On the occasion, the prime minister said that "I am happy that from today all the government employees of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh will be getting the benefits under the 7th Pay Commission as granted to the employees of other Union Territories". PM: Article 370 only gave separatism & terrorism to J&K. It was the only place in the country where Article 370 was present, where in last 3 decades, over 40,000 people got killed&several mothers lost their sons due to terrorism. Now this wall of Article 370 has been demolished. pic.twitter.com/2sYvtAsCEO — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2019 × Hailing the abrogation of Article 370, the prime minister said that the Article "only gave separatism and terrorism to J&K". "It was the only place in the country where Article 370 was present, where in last 3 decades, over 40,000 people got killed and several mothers lost their sons due to terrorism. Now this wall of Article 370 has been demolished". "Those who can't win a war against us are challenging our unity. They try to break our unity and try to groom separatism. Our unity is being challenged. They forget that no one could defeat this unity," he said.

Article 370 only gave separatism and terrorism to Jammu and Kashmir: PM Modi 

India celebrates National Unity Day; Thousands participate in 'Run for Unity'. Watch video to know more.

India celebrates National Unity Day; thousands participate in 'Run for Unity'

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National Unity Day 2023: Here's why we celebrate Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary as Ekta Diwas

National Unity Day: PM Modi pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary

National Day of Unity: Ukrainians raise flags to defy Russia invasion fears

Article 370 only gave separatism and terrorism to Jammu and Kashmir: PM Modi

India celebrates National Unity Day; thousands participate in 'Run for Unity'