October 31st National Unity Day: A Day to Honor India's Iron Man
BY Nitin Chavhan
1. Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first home minister, was known as "Sardar" for his leadership during the struggle for independence and national integration.
2. His birth anniversary on October 31 is celebrated as National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas since 2014.
3. The celebration aims to reaffirm India's strength and resilience in the face of threats to its unity, integrity, and security.
4. Sardar Patel played a pivotal role in convincing 565 princely states to join the Union of India after gaining independence.
5. His efforts earned him the title "Iron Man of India."
6. National Unity Day honors Patel's crucial role in India's integration.
7. Government offices and institutions read a pledge on this day to preserve the nation's unity and security.
8. The pledge emphasizes the vision and actions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
9. Government offices, public sector undertakings, and public institutions are required to conduct the pledge ceremony on October 31.
10. The Ministry of Human Resource Development encourages schools and colleges to administer the pledge to students.
11. The goal is to motivate the younger generation to contribute to the country's unity and integrity.
12. National Unity Day serves as a tribute to Sardar Patel's extraordinary leadership in uniting India.