<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>

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<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>The 600-feet '<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/statue-of-unity-worlds-tallest-unveiled-by-pm-modi-as-tribute-to-sardar-vallabhbhai-patel-174548">Statue of Unity</a>' overlooking the Sardar Sarovar Dam near Vadodara is today the "world's tallest statue" but it was made by a sculptor who is no more than just over 5 foot, 5 inches, aged 93, a man with tall dreams - Ram Vanji Sutar.</p>

<p>The gigantic structure, inaugurated by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pm-narendra-modi-pens-tribute-to-sardar-patel-calls-him-the-maker-of-modern-india-174534">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> as tribute to Sardar Patel on his 143rd birth anniversary, can be gauged by the fact that Patel's feet itself measures a mammoth 80 feet, according to Ram.</p>

<p>As a young man back in the summer of 1947, Ram had a dream, in his own words he says a bird chirped in his ears while he was asleep that he should leave everything and follow his dream, sure enough, he left everything and struck out. Ram has made over 350 Gandhi statues the world over and at over 90 is still going strong.</p>

<p>Ram calls the unique Vallabhbhai statue as his "masterpiece" and a dream come true. Ram painstakingly looked at every detail of the towering leader right from his walk, the clothes he wore, his expressions to his sitting posture. It was a project which started in 2013 and took three and half years to conceive, build and finally to be erected alongside the picturesque dam in Gujarat.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VRoBrf1kulM" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>In his career, Ram has seen PMs and President's come and go, some vanish and other's make a mark, he has encapsulated them in his sculptures. His studio in the deepest corner of Noida in Uttar Pradesh showcases his vast array of work from Rajiv, Indira, Rajesh Pilot to a virtual who's who of Indian politics, it can easily be called India's version of Madame Taussads.</p>

<p>"This statue describes Sardar Patel as a strong-willed person," he says proudly. He is helped in his endeavour by his architect son Anil Sutar who combines his father's sculpting expertise with an architect's eye and cutting-edge engineering skills to put together statues which now has become a wonder of the world.</p>

<p>Anil informs quite candidly that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/on-statue-of-unity-inaugeration-here-are-top-five-tallest-statues-in-the-world-174352">massive bronze structure</a> has a "China touch" since it has been assembled there because India does not have a bronze foundry, of course, the father-son duo left nothing to chance spending weeks at a time in China to ensure it was conceived the way they envisioned it back home. It was brought to India in pieces, reassembled and was unveiled on October 31.</p>

<p>"There were statues of Gandhiji including of Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Maulana Azad and other personalities, then it was thought a statue of Sardar Patel was needed in Parliament," he says giving due credit to Patel's contribution in India's freedom struggle and his contribution towards uniting India's princely states.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The Padmashree awardee credits the "Statue of Unity" to PM Modi; "it takes two people - one who thinks about the concept and the other who partners the dream," he declares.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"As a young man, I had thought that I will one day make a life-size statue of Hanumanji in which on his chest Ram and Laxman will be carved, with this statute of Sardar Patel, I think I have achieved my dream," says the proud sculptor.</p>

<p>As the nation pays homage to Vallabhbhai, Ram Sutar too has carved his name in history, forever.</p>


The 600-feet 'Statue of Unity' overlooking the Sardar Sarovar Dam near Vadodara is today the "world's tallest statue" but it was made by a sculptor who is no more than just over 5 foot, 5 inches, aged 93, a man with tall dreams - Ram Vanji Sutar.

The 600-feet 'Statue of Unity' overlooking the Sardar Sarovar Dam near Vadodara is today the "world's tallest statue" but it was made by a sculptor who is no more than just over 5 foot, 5 inches, aged 93, a man with tall dreams - Ram Vanji Sutar. The gigantic structure, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as tribute to Sardar Patel on his 143rd birth anniversary, can be gauged by the fact that Patel's feet itself measures a mammoth 80 feet, according to Ram. As a young man back in the summer of 1947, Ram had a dream, in his own words he says a bird chirped in his ears while he was asleep that he should leave everything and follow his dream, sure enough, he left everything and struck out. Ram has made over 350 Gandhi statues the world over and at over 90 is still going strong. Ram calls the unique Vallabhbhai statue as his "masterpiece" and a dream come true. Ram painstakingly looked at every detail of the towering leader right from his walk, the clothes he wore, his expressions to his sitting posture. It was a project which started in 2013 and took three and half years to conceive, build and finally to be erected alongside the picturesque dam in Gujarat. In his career, Ram has seen PMs and President's come and go, some vanish and other's make a mark, he has encapsulated them in his sculptures. His studio in the deepest corner of Noida in Uttar Pradesh showcases his vast array of work from Rajiv, Indira, Rajesh Pilot to a virtual who's who of Indian politics, it can easily be called India's version of Madame Taussads. "This statue describes Sardar Patel as a strong-willed person," he says proudly. He is helped in his endeavour by his architect son Anil Sutar who combines his father's sculpting expertise with an architect's eye and cutting-edge engineering skills to put together statues which now has become a wonder of the world. Anil informs quite candidly that the massive bronze structure has a "China touch" since it has been assembled there because India does not have a bronze foundry, of course, the father-son duo left nothing to chance spending weeks at a time in China to ensure it was conceived the way they envisioned it back home. It was brought to India in pieces, reassembled and was unveiled on October 31. "There were statues of Gandhiji including of Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Maulana Azad and other personalities, then it was thought a statue of Sardar Patel was needed in Parliament," he says giving due credit to Patel's contribution in India's freedom struggle and his contribution towards uniting India's princely states. The Padmashree awardee credits the "Statue of Unity" to PM Modi; "it takes two people - one who thinks about the concept and the other who partners the dream," he declares. "As a young man, I had thought that I will one day make a life-size statue of Hanumanji in which on his chest Ram and Laxman will be carved, with this statute of Sardar Patel, I think I have achieved my dream," says the proud sculptor. As the nation pays homage to Vallabhbhai, Ram Sutar too has carved his name in history, forever.

Meet Ram Sutar, the sculptor who carved Vallabhbhai's 'Statue of Unity'

<p>The Gujarat government Monday extended formal invitation to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami for the inauguration of the world's tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in that state on October 31.</p>

<p>A team led by Gujarat Minister Ganpat Vasava, who holds Tribal Development and Tourism portfolios among others, presented the invitation to Palaniswami at the Secretariat here to attend the unveiling of the 'Statue of Unity,' an official release said.</p>

<p>The Gujarat Minister was accompanied by party MP Kirit Solanki and a couple of state Legislators, it said.</p>

<p>The 'Statue of Unity' dedicated to Patel, India's first Home Minister, is touted to be the tallest in the world at 182 metres.</p>

<p>Being built at a cost of Rs 2,389 crore at Sadhu Bet island on Narmada river, the statue is set to be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31 on the occasion of Sardar Patel's birth anniversary.</p>


The Gujarat government Monday extended formal invitation to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami for the inauguration of the world's tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in that state on October 31.

The Gujarat government Monday extended formal invitation to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami for the inauguration of the world's tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in that state on October 31. A team led by Gujarat Minister Ganpat Vasava, who holds Tribal Development and Tourism portfolios among others, presented the invitation to Palaniswami at the Secretariat here to attend the unveiling of the 'Statue of Unity,' an official release said. The Gujarat Minister was accompanied by party MP Kirit Solanki and a couple of state Legislators, it said. The 'Statue of Unity' dedicated to Patel, India's first Home Minister, is touted to be the tallest in the world at 182 metres. Being built at a cost of Rs 2,389 crore at Sadhu Bet island on Narmada river, the statue is set to be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31 on the occasion of Sardar Patel's birth anniversary.

Gujarat government invites Tamil Nadu CM to inauguration of Vallabhbhai Patel statue