Rashtriya Ekta divas or National Unity Day is celebrated in India on 31 October, to acknowledge the struggles and sacrifices of the First Deputy Prime Minister of independent India- Sardar Vallabhai Patel. It was introduced by the Government of India in 2014. , the government of India announced the National Unity Day on his birth anniversary. In a country like India, which are full of diversities- religions, castes, languages, civilizations, and cultures, it is very important to maintain unity. So, to establish the unity of the nation, the Government of India proposed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in 2014. Since, Sardar Patel is known for the integration of India, playing a crucial role in the unification of India from over 560 princely states, National Unity Day is set celebrate on his birth anniversary (October 31) every year. On this day in 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 182m-tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel called the Statue of Unity, which is the tallest statue in the world, on the bank of Narmada River in the Kevadiya colony, facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam near the city of Vadodara. This year marks the 145th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter and an ace politician. In the official statement issued by the Home Ministry of India in 2014, it was stated that 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.” On this day, people recall the great works of Sardar Patel and acknowledge them by celebrating Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. People gathered and celebrate the unity of the nation by delivering speeches, spread knowledge etc. Different events, webinars and seminars are organised in different parts of the country.
