National Unity Day 2024: India celebrates National Unity Day, or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, on October 31 each year to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary. Known as the “Iron Man of India,” Patel was instrumental in uniting India after independence.
In 2024, National Unity Day holds great importance, encouraging citizens to embrace Patel’s ideals of unity, strength, and nation-building. UPSC aspirants should have a solid understanding of Patel’s contributions, a critical topic in modern history studies.
Read on to discover more about National Unity Day 2024, including its historical significance, importance, and how it is celebrated across India to honor Sardar Patel’s legacy!
National Unity Day 2024
Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, earned the title “Sardar,” meaning chief, due to his exceptional leadership during the struggle for independence and his pivotal role in uniting the princely states. He was also instrumental during the India-Pakistan War of 1947. Today, his birth anniversary is commemorated as National Unity Day, or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, to honor his contributions to the nation.
National Unity Day 2024 Date
In 2014, the Government of India officially designated October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, as National Unity Day, also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
National Unity Day 2024 History
In 2014, the central government announced that October 31 would be observed as National Unity Day. An official statement highlighted that this day would serve as an opportunity to reaffirm the strength and resilience of the nation against threats to its unity, integrity, and security.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, affectionately known as “Sardar” (meaning chief), was recognized for his exceptional leadership during India’s struggle for independence and the subsequent challenges, particularly in integrating the princely states and addressing the India-Pakistan War of 1947.
Patel accomplished the remarkable task of persuading nearly all of the 565 self-governing princely states that had gained independence from British rule to join the Union of India. His unwavering commitment to national integration earned him the title “Iron Man of India.”
National Unity Day 2024 Significance
India observes October 31 as National Unity Day to honor the veteran freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. His significant contributions in persuading numerous princely states to join the Union of India after independence are particularly noteworthy. This day serves as a tribute to Patel’s crucial efforts in fostering national integration, reflecting the country’s gratitude and commitment to the ideals of “national unity.”
National Unity Day 2024 Celebrations
On National Unity Day, a pledge is recited in government offices that states:
“I solemnly pledge that I dedicate myself to preserve the unity, integrity, and security of the nation and also strive hard to spread this message among my fellow countrymen. I take this pledge in the spirit of unification of my country which was made possible by the vision and actions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. I also solemnly resolve to make my own contribution to ensure the internal security of my country.”
By official mandate, all government offices, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and public institutions must hold a pledge-taking ceremony on October 31 to commemorate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
The Ministry of Human Resource Development has also instructed that students in schools and colleges be given the opportunity to take the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge, encouraging them to uphold the unity and integrity of the nation.
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National Unity Day 2024 FAQs
Q.1. What is National Unity Day?
Ans. National Unity Day, or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, is observed on October 31 to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary and his contributions to India’s unity.
Q.2. Why is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel important?
Ans. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the “Iron Man of India,” played a key role in uniting princely states and was instrumental during India’s independence and the subsequent challenges.
Q.3. How is National Unity Day celebrated in India?
Ans. On National Unity Day, government offices and institutions conduct pledge-taking ceremonies, where individuals commit to preserving the nation’s unity, integrity, and security.
Q.4. When was National Unity Day first observed?
Ans. National Unity Day was officially designated by the Government of India in 2014 to be celebrated on October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Q.5. What is the significance of the pledge taken on National Unity Day?
Ans. The pledge emphasizes dedication to national unity and integrity, reflecting the spirit of unification promoted by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and encouraging citizens to contribute to internal security.
