National unity is an occasion in which people of different cultures, languages, states, religions, political, and socio-economical diversity come together to achieve a common goal. National Unity Day in India (Hindi: राष्ट्रीय एकता दिवस), also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, is celebrated on 31st October every year to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, who played a pivotal role in the political integration of India.
National Unity Day 2023
National Unity Day is observed every year on October 31 to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, an Indian freedom fighter and independent India’s first Deputy Prime Minister. To acknowledge his dedication to a united India, Sardar Patel’s birthday has been celebrated as National Unity Day across India since 2014. This year the day falls on Monday, October 31, marking the 147th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.
Who is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel?
Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, born on 31 July 1875 in Nadiad, India, commonly known as Sardar, was an Indian lawyer, influential political leader, lawyer, and statesperson. He was also the first Deputy Prime Minister of India and served as India's first Home Minister from 1947 to 1950. He was a lawyer and a senior member of the Indian National Congress, who played a vital role in the country's struggle for independence, leading it to unite as a united nation.
He was one of the conservatives in the Indian National Congress. In India or abroad, he was mostly called Sardar, which means “leader” or chief. He served as Home Minister during India's political integration and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. The Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world erected by the Government of India on 31st October 2018, was dedicated to him. He is considered the Ironman of India.
History of National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas)
Iron Man of India (Hindi: Loh Purush), Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel was known as Sardar Patel and was a prominent Indian politician after Independence when the British came out from under the divided country. Jawaharlal Nehru served as the First Prime Minister of independent India while Sardar Patel served as the First Deputy Prime Minister. Sardar Patel is better known as the founding father of the Republic of India as he played a key role in uniting the independent provinces into a unified India just after the partition of India.
In 2014, the official declaration for the celebration was announced by the country’s home ministry to pay tribute to his efforts to make a united India. It said, "The Government has decided to observe the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as the ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) on 31st October every year. This occasion 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."
(Source: pib.gov.in)
On October 31, 2018, the "Statue of Unity" was inaugurated in India dedicated to him. it is the world's tallest statue till now.
On October 31, 2019, an event named ‘Run for Unity’ was organized to raise awareness about the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the history of India. On that day, thousands of people participated in the race which started from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi and ran nearly one mile on Gate C-Hexagon-Shah Jahan Road.
National Unity Day Celebrations
The ways to celebrate National Ekta Diwas are given below –
To observe Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Government Offices, Public Sector Enterprises, and other Public Institutions organize a pledge-taking ceremony. The Schools and Universities pledged to encourage students to promote national unity and integrity. Many schools and universities also showcased various cultural activities like banners, poster making, essay competitions, speech delivery, quizzes, painting, debate, etc.
All Ministries, Departments of Government of India and all State Governments, and Administrators of all Union Territories have organized necessary programs on this occasion including the 'Pledge Taking Ceremony', and 'Run for Unity' involving people from all walks of life. Parades and marching take place in the evening by the Police, Central Armed Police Forces, and other organizations including National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Scouts and Guides, and Domestic Guards.
Statue of Unity
The statue is located on the banks of the Narmada River in Gujarat's Kevadiya colony, overlooking the Sardar Sarovar Dam, 100 kilometres (62 miles) east of Vadodara. It was designed by Ram V. Sutar and the materials used in that statue include Steel framing, reinforced by concrete and brass coating, and bronze cladding. Its height is 182 meters (597 ft). Construction of the statue began on 31 October 2013 and was completed on 30 October 2018. Its opening date is 31 October 2018 (inaugurated by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi). The statue is dedicated to Vallabhbhai Patel.
Happy National Unity Day 2023 Wishes, Messages
The Government of India announced in 2014 that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary (October 31) would be observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Below we listed best wishes for this day –
- Wishing everyone a Happy Unity Day! This day will always be remembered for the efforts made by Sardar Patel to unite the various states of our country.
- Today, we should come along and thank Sardar Patel for all he did to unite India. Happy Rashtriya Ekta Diwas!
- Happy National Unity Day to all. On this glorious day, let's promise ourselves to continue to work diligently for the unity of our nation.
- The best way we can thank Sardar Patel is an oath that we will always walk our country together. Happy National Unity Day!
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2023, Greetings, Messages
To commemorate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's efforts to make us united, share the messages from below to wish everyone you love –
- Our differences don’t explain that we are all still the same, our thoughts do. Happy Rashtriya Ekta Diwas!
- No matter how many states or how many languages there are in India, let’s make a promise on this day to stay together forever. Happy National Unity Day!
- In celebrating Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, let's promise ourselves and say, ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL, and be united.
- India is a unique combination of cultures, languages religions, tribes, and therefore people; let's take a pledge to be united forever. Happy Rashtriya Ekta Diwas!
National Unity Day 2023 Status, Captions
On 31st October, India commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a great role in persuading various states to the Union of India. Respect him today on Facebook WhatsApp or Twitter by these statuses –
- He was the medium in creating a united India out of 565 semi-autonomous princely states. So, remember him today in high spirits.
- On the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas!, let us make this day a special one by thanking Sardar Patel and always celebrating this day with a great heart.
- He worked diligently, even in illness, to unite the different states of our country. Happy National Unity Day!
- Happy Rashtriya Ekta Diwas! Unity is where the strength of any nation lies and therefore, we must always strive together.
Happy Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2023 SMS, Text
Sardar Patel is widely regarded as the Iron Man of India and one of the founding leaders of the Republic of India. Here is a list of short messages (SMS) to convey respect towards him –
- The nation will only become great when unity becomes our identity. Happy Rashtriya Ekta Diwas!
- 28 states, 121 languages, and many cultures but only 1 nationality is the beauty of India. Happy Rashtriya Ekta Diwas!
- Break the Religion-Caste barrier, and join hands together, Join India. Happy National Unity Day!
- We, the people of India, are all the same. Let us stick together and celebrate National Unity Day.
National Unity Day Quotes
It’s that time of year when one should celebrate patriotism with gusto. Since National Day is here, read the best Quotes told by great people about unity –
"Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking." — Mahatma Gandhi
"The Ayodhya judgment will work as a catalyst to maintain peace and unity in the country." —Narendra Modi
"Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization." —Mahatma Gandhi
"The significance which is in unity is an eternal wonder." — Rabindranath Tagore
"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth." — Baháʼu'lláh
"Only humility will lead us to unity, and unity will lead to peace." — Mother Teresa.
"Remember upon the conduct of each depends on the fate of all." — Alexander The Great
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, or National Unity Day, is a day to remember the “Iron Man of India”, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who is remembered for his efforts to unite the nation. Unity Day is celebrated every year on 31st October as Sardar Patel Jayanti (birth anniversary).