India celebrated Rashtriya
Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on October 31, 2025, marking the 150th birth
anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A pledge of unity was taken across the
country in memory of Sardar Patel, the Iron Man who unified over 550 princely
states after independence to form a strong nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
led the main ceremony at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. He
administered the pledge of national unity and released a commemorative coin and
postage stamp on Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary. "Sardar Patel
united India; today we strengthen his legacy," said PM Narendra Modi. President Draupadi Murmu and
Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel in New
Delhi. Thousands of people participated in the Run for Unity event, which
became a symbol of national solidarity. Leaders from various fields,
including opposition parties, recalled Sardar Patel's legacy of unity.
#SardarPatel150 and #RashtriyaEktaDiwas are trending on social media. Sardar Patel's contributions
were significant, including merging 562 princely states (actually over 565),
ensuring the unification of India without a major war, contributing to the
reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, and laying the foundation of the Indian
Administrative Service (IAS). Unity runs and cultural
programs were organized across the country, with Run for Unity being held in
all states, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Essay competitions,
speeches, and documentaries on Sardar Patel were also screened in schools and
colleges.