Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is observed every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s Iron Man and architect of national integration.
The 2025 observance is particularly significant as it marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. The celebration reinforces his vision of a united, self-reliant, and integrated India, emphasizing the ideals of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.
Background
- First Observed: 2014, after being announced by the Government of India to honour Sardar Patel’s contribution to nation-building.
- Objective: To reaffirm India’s strength in unity, integrity, and security, and to promote unity in diversity.
- During the 2015 celebration, PM Narendra Modi launched the “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB)” initiative to build stronger cultural and social bonds between India’s states and UTs.
- The day is observed through pledges, runs, cultural events, and awareness campaigns across India involving schools, colleges, ministries, and youth organizations.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Foundational Legacy
- Full Name: Sardar Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel
- Born: 31 October 1875, Nadiad, Gujarat
- Died: 15 December 1950
- Positions Held:
- India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs (1947–1950)
Major Contribution:
- Instrumental in the integration of over 560 princely states into the Union of India, covering nearly 40% of India’s territory and population.
- Used diplomacy, persuasion, and administrative firmness to prevent national fragmentation after Independence.
- Created the All India Services (IAS, IPS, etc.), known as the “Steel Frame of India”, to ensure administrative unity and continuity.
- His statesmanship averted India’s Balkanisation and solidified the foundations of a united democratic republic.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB): Continuing Patel’s Vision
- Launched: 31 October 2015 (140th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Patel)
- Objective: To promote cultural exchange and national integration among states and UTs through mutual interaction and reciprocity.
Key Goals:
- Strengthen emotional bonds among citizens.
- Encourage linguistic and cultural appreciation.
- Foster mutual learning and shared development practices.
- Showcase India’s diversity as a pillar of national strength.
Major Initiatives under EBSB
- Bhasha Sangam App: Enables citizens to learn 100+ basic sentences in 22 Indian languages.
- Student Exchange Programs: Yuva Sangam and EBSB Clubs promote youth interaction across states.
- Cultural Events: Food festivals, art exhibitions, and music showcases between paired states.
- Kashi Tamil Sangamam: Highlights the cultural bond between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Uttar Pradesh).
- Digital Platforms:
- My Bharat Digital Portal – connects youth to national unity activities.
- EBSB Portal – central platform for reporting and promoting inter-state cultural programs.
- Competitions: Online quizzes, campaigns, and state-wise cultural showcases celebrating India’s linguistic and artistic richness.
Ekta Diwas 2025: 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations
This year’s Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations have been envisioned as a year-long nationwide commemoration, reinforcing Patel’s ideals in the context of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Special Features and Events in 2025
1. Unique Marching Contingent of Indian Breed Dogs
- The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, will feature indigenous Indian dog breeds — Rampur Hound and Mudhol Hound.
- Led by “Riya”, a Mudhol Hound that secured first place in the All India Police Dog Competition.
- The participation of these breeds highlights Aatmanirbhar Bharat, indigenous excellence, and their role as force multipliers in security operations.
2. “Sardar@150 Unity March”
- Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports via the My Bharat platform.
- Aims to foster unity, patriotism, and civic responsibility among India’s youth.
- Launched: October 6, 2025, by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
Structure of the March
Phase I (Oct 31 – Nov 25, 2025):
- District-level Padyatras in all Parliamentary constituencies.
- Awareness activities: essay & debate contests, seminars, street plays on Sardar Patel’s life.
- Community initiatives: cleanliness drives at water bodies, Sardar Upvan tree plantation, yoga camps, and Vocal for Local campaigns.
Phase II (National March: Nov 26 – Dec 6, 2025):
- A 152 km Padyatra from Karamsad (Patel’s birthplace) to Statue of Unity, Kevadia.
- Participants include NSS students, NCC cadets, and My Bharat volunteers.
- Includes exhibitions on India’s cultural diversity and Sardar Patel’s contributions.
3. Run for Unity 2025
- The Run for Unity symbolizes collective strength and national cohesion.
- Date: October 31, 2025
- Venue: Major cities across India, including New Delhi (flagged off by Union Ministers).
- PM Narendra Modi has urged citizens nationwide to participate, marking the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India.
Statue of Unity: Monumental Tribute
- Inaugurated: October 31, 2018
- Location: Kevadia, Gujarat (now Ekta Nagar)
- Height: 182 meters (world’s tallest statue)
- Overlooks: River Narmada and Sardar Sarovar Dam
- Constructed on: Sadhu Bet hillock, linked by a 300-metre bridge.
- Significance: Symbolizes unity, courage, and integrity — the core principles of Sardar Patel’s life.
Tourism and Cultural Significance
Attractions include:
- Laser Light & Sound Show narrating Patel’s legacy.
- Valley of Flowers with over 2 million plants.
- Cactus Garden, Ekta Nursery, Jungle Safari, and Vishwa Van global forest.
- Children’s Nutrition Park and Dino Trail for educational tourism.
- Panchmuli Lake for eco-tourism and boating.
- Sardar Sarovar Dam: 2nd largest gravity dam in the world by concrete volume.
Significance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025
- Marks 150 years since the birth of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, reaffirming his role in shaping India’s political unity and administrative framework.
- Promotes national integration through cultural, linguistic, and digital connectivity.
- Strengthens the principles of “Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
- Encourages youth participation in nation-building, environmental conservation, and community service.
- Reiterates the message of unity in diversity — the cornerstone of India’s democratic and cultural identity.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
| Sardar Patel’s Popular Titles | Iron Man of India, Bismarck of India, Architect of Unified India |
| Birthplace | Nadiad, Gujarat |
| Key Institution Named After Him | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad |
| Commemorative Structure | Statue of Unity (World’s Tallest Statue – 182 m) |
| Ministry Leading Celebrations | Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports |
| National Programme Aligned | Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Initiative |
| Slogan | “Unity in Diversity” |