National Unity Day 2025 is observed in India on 31 October every year. Also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025, it is a commemoration day of the Sardar Patel birth anniversary 2025. The day is celebrated to honour the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. He was also called the Iron Man of India for his historic efforts after independence in uniting more than 560 princely states into one nation. The day is a celebration of the strength that our country derives from its diversity, as well as a pledge to work together for the unity, peace and progress of India.

National Unity Day 2025 will have more significance as it is the 150th birth anniversary year of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and will be celebrated all over the country.

Ekta Diwas Parade 2025

The Ekta Diwas Parade 2025 was celebrated on 31st October to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. The parade showed the unity and strength of the nation with vibrant cultural performances and a march by security forces. It reminded everyone of Patel’s role in uniting India after independence. People across the country joined in paying tribute to his great contribution toward national integration.

National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025

Sardar Patel believed in “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” National Unity Day 2025 celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of this great leader. This day honours how Patel’s vision united more than 560 princely states to create the Republic of India we know today.

Unity runs, cultural events, debates, and educational programs will be held across the country in 2025. The main event will take place at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat — the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel. 

National Unity Day 2025 Theme

The National Unity Day 2025 theme is “Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 theme represents the idea of connecting unity and self-reliance. Sardar Patel dreamt of a self-reliant India where people from every corner and culture could hold their head high and stand together as one. The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 theme reminds everyone that national development is possible only when the country remains strong, self-reliant, and united.

150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

October 31, 2025, marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of India’s greatest leaders known as the “Iron Man of India.” Born in 1875 in Gujarat, he played a key role in uniting over 500 princely states to form a united India after independence. Sardar Patel’s strong leadership and dedication towards the country’s integration earned him great respect and admiration. His birthday is celebrated as National Unity Day every year to remember his remarkable contributions to India’s unity and integrity.

Run for Unity 2025

Run for Unity 2025 is a special event organized to celebrate the spirit of unity and togetherness in India, honoring the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The event is scheduled for October 31, 2025, marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, who played a key role in uniting India post-independence. People from all walks of life will come together to participate by running, jogging, or walking to show their commitment to national integration and peace. This event not only promotes fitness but also spreads the message of harmony and solidarity among citizens. Everyone is encouraged to join and celebrate the spirit of unity across the nation.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Biography

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad (Gujarat) as the son of Jhaverbhai Patel and Ladba Patel. He was born into a middle-class family of Patidars. He was a follower of the Vaishnavism faith and from his childhood, he was full of bravery, discipline and hard work, which later became the building blocks of a great leader of the nation.

• At the age of 36, he went to England to study law at Middle Temple, London and got qualified as a barrister.
• He started his practice as a lawyer at Ahmedabad and gained a reputation as a great lawyer for his sharp intellect, his straightforwardness and fair judgment.
• He met Mahatma Gandhi in 1917, which influenced him to take an active part in the struggle for the freedom of India.
• In 1928, he led the Bardoli Satyagraha, mobilizing the farmers against increased taxation. As a result of this Satyagraha, he was given the title of “Sardar”.
• He was one of the most admired and powerful leaders of the Indian National Congress because of his leadership skills, strict discipline and effective decision-making.
• His decision-making, organizational and administrative skills and his sense of patriotism played an important role in building a united India.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Role in the Unification of India

In 1947, at the time of India’s independence, the country was presented with a monumental challenge. There were more than 560 princely states, which had not been directly ruled by the British, but by their own local rulers. 

Some of these rulers wanted independence, while some were tempted to join Pakistan. This was where Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel came to play his pivotal role as the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India.

Patel, with the help of his secretary V.P. Menon, came up with a constitutional and legal framework called the Instrument of Accession. He personally met and persuaded many of these rulers, with a mix of diplomacy and determination. Patel’s diplomatic skills saved India from what could have been the balkanization of the country into multiple kingdoms and states.

• Integration of Junagadh: In this state, the Nawab wanted to accede to Pakistan. Patel took the matter to the United Nations and also organized a public referendum to reflect the people’s will, which led to the state’s merger with India.
• Integration of Hyderabad: The Nizam, the ruler of Hyderabad, wanted to remain independent. Patel, in response, launched a police action called Operation Polo in 1948. This military operation was successful, and Hyderabad was integrated into India peacefully.
• Integration of Jammu and Kashmir: Patel sent immediate support in 1947 when the state was under crisis. This decision proved crucial in ensuring Kashmir’s accession to India when the country needed it the most.

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Statue of Unity

On October 31, 2018, a grand statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s Iron Man, known as the Statue of Unity, was inaugurated. The 182-meter tall statue, the world’s tallest, is a tribute to Sardar Patel’s contribution in unifying the country. The statue of unity is located near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Kevadia in Gujarat.

The world’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was built on the banks of the Narmada River in his tribute. It is a symbol of unity and strength in India. 

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