The celebration of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) will be held on 31 October 2025 at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India”.

• The event will feature a grand parade, inaugural of major projects, and participation of central security forces and students.

About National Unity Day 

• Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is celebrated annually on 31 October to honour the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a leading figure in India’s post-independence political integration.
• It was instituted in 2014 by the Government of India as a national observance to reaffirm the country’s commitment to unity, integrity and security.

• Sardar Patel, as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India, played a crucial role in bringing together over 550 princely states into the Indian Union.
• The observance ties into constitutional values such as unity in diversity, the integrity of the nation (Articles 1 and 3 of the Constitution), and the pledge to uphold national cohesion.
  Every year across government offices, schools and institutions, a pledge of unity is administered and programmes such as “Run for Unity” or cultural events are organised.
  

This year’s unique features

• The 2025 observance will feature a parade on the lines of the Delhi Republic Day celebrations, involving multiple security forces and state contingents.
• Major development projects will be inaugurated, and the celebrations seek to highlight the theme “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Best India).
• The day will also emphasise women’s participation in security forces and highlight youth engagement through orientation programmes for civil service trainees.
  

Exam hook: UPSC Prelims question

Question: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in India is observed on which date, and it commemorates the birth anniversary of which leader?
Answer: 31 October; commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

One-line wrap: National Unity Day reminds us that a diverse India holds strength in acting as one.

Question:
With reference to Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), consider the following statements:

1. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed every year on 31st October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
   
2. The observance of the day was first introduced in 2014 by the Government of India.
   
3. The primary objective of the day is to promote the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” and reinforce the nation’s unity and integrity.
   
4. The celebration is organised annually by the Ministry of Home Affairs as the nodal ministry.
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4 only

Answer: (b)

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