Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

Tags: Important Days

Every year 31 October is observed in India as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas as a tribute to the first home minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Independent India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He was born on 31st October 1875 in Nadiad, Kheda district of present Gujarat.

He was the Home Minister from 15 August 1947 to 15 December 1950 and played a vital role in integrating the Princely states in India after Independence. For his role in integrating the princely states he is also called the Iron Man of India, Bismarck of India or Mazzini of India.

Background to the Day 

In 2014 the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government decided to observe 31st October as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to reinforce our dedication to preserve and strengthen the unity, integrity and security of the nation.

Prime Minister observe Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2002 at Kevadia, Gujarat 

The Prime Minister participated in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations 2022 at the Status of Unity, Kevadia, Ekta Nagar . The celebrations witnessed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade, which included contingents of BSF and of five State Police Forces, one each from the Northern Zone (Haryana), Western Zone (Madhya Pradesh), Southern Zone (Telangana), Eastern Zone (Odisha) and North Eastern Zone (Tripura).

Statute of Unity 

The Statue of Unity dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is the world's tallest statue.

It is 182 meters (597 feet) tall and located on the island of Sadhu -Betu in river Narmada in Kevadiya, Gujarat. The statue has been designed by Ram Suttar.

The statue was inaugurated by PM Modi on 31October 2018.