Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: A visionary leader

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on 31st October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat. A successful lawyer by profession, his life took a decisive turn when Mahatma Gandhi chose him as his deputy commander to lead the Kheda Satyagraha in 1918. Leading the peasants’ protest, Patel’s journey shifted from law to public service. In 1924, he was elected President of the Ahmedabad Municipal Board. Taking charge, he transformed the city’s drainage, sanitation, cleanliness, and water distribution systems. To the astonishment of many, he personally took up a broom and dust cart to clean the Harijan quarter of the city. In doing so, Ahmedabad discovered a new hero in its civic leader.

Dr Rajendra Prasad administers the Oath of Office to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at a Press Conference on Integration of States

Sardar Patel’s commitment to public life deepened with the national movement. His leadership in the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 brought him nationwide acclaim. The farmers’ agitation, widely discussed across India, showcased Patel’s organizational ability and tireless resolve. It was here that he was bestowed with the title of ‘Sardar’, the enduring honorific by which he is remembered and revered. He soon emerged as one of the strongest pillars of India’s freedom struggle.

At Independence, India comprised British provinces and over 560 princely states, which accounted for nearly two-fifths of the nation’s territory. While the Indian Independence Act transferred authority over British India to the new government, the princely rulers were given the choice to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent. Sardar Patel took on the monumental task of securing their accession and integrating them into the Union of India. On 15th August 1947, he was sworn in as India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and its first Home Minister, also holding the portfolio of Information and Broadcasting. His statesmanship and resolve earned him the lasting legacy of being the ‘Iron Man of India’

Celebrating National Unity Day

National Unity Day serves as a reminder of the values that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel embodied: unity, integrity, and inclusiveness. In a country as diverse as India, with myriad cultures, languages, and religions, fostering a sense of unity is essential for national progress. The day encourages citizens to reflect on the importance of coming together to overcome challenges, celebrate diversity, and promote harmony.

The celebration of National Unity Day is marked by various events and activities across the country. Government institutions, schools, and colleges organize a number of events to spread awareness about the importance of unity. One of the key highlights of the day is the Run for Unity, a nationwide marathon held to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of a united India.

To mark the 11th National Unity Day, the Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah flagged off the 'Run for Unity' on 29th October, 2024 organized in New Delhi. Initiated as a call for solidarity in 2015, the Run for Unity symbolizes a pledge not only for national cohesion but also for a progressive, developed India, embodying the vision of a united and prosperous future.

12^th National Unity Day

As part of the celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various infrastructural and development projects worth over Rs 900 crore in Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), situated in the Narmada district of Gujarat. These projects aim to enhance the tourist experience, improve accessibility and support sustainable initiatives

On 31st October, the Prime Minister will preside over the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas commemorations, offering a floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He will administer the pledge of unity and review the ceremonial parade, comprising 16 marching contingents drawn from 9 States, 1 Union Territory Police, 4 Central Armed Police Forces, the NCC, and an accompanying band. Notable features include the NSG’s iconic Hell March, motorcycle displays by BSF and CRPF personnel, a martial arts presentation by BSF, a spirited school band performance, and the Indian Air Force’s breathtaking ‘Surya Kiran’ flypast, among other distinguished highlights.