The country is observing National Unity Day across India on Saturday, October 31, to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister. President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to him at Patel Chowk in New Delhi, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled his contributions to nation-building. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also criticised the Congress over its treatment of Patel's legacy.
President Droupadi Murmu visited Patel Chowk in Delhi and offered floral tributes to the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were also present at the ceremony.
Lok Sabha MP Bansuri Swaraj also participated in the programme. The leaders paid tribute to Patel's contribution to maintaining India's unity and establishing the country as a b nation following independence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel through a post on X, describing him as the architect of a united India.
Modi said Patel devoted his entire life to building an India that was b, prosperous and capable of facing every challenge. His dedication and spirit of service towards the nation continue to inspire efforts to build a developed and self-reliant India, the Prime Minister said.
Modi also highlighted Patel's role in nation-building, particularly his contribution to integrating the princely states into India after independence. His role in this process earned him the title of the Iron Man of India.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah made critical remarks about the Congress on National Unity Day. He alleged that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel did not receive the recognition he deserved for his contributions to the country for a long time.
Shah claimed that the Congress had attempted to erase his memories but said his contributions could not be removed from history.
The Home Minister also referred to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. He said Narendra Modi had initiated efforts to give a new identity to Patel's legacy while serving as Gujarat Chief Minister. He added that the construction of the towering statue later brought Patel's contributions into greater prominence before India and the world.
Shah said one of the biggest challenges facing India at the time of independence was the integration of different princely states into a single nation. Patel played an important role in accomplishing this task through his leadership and decisions.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat. A lawyer by profession, he was actively involved in India's freedom movement. After independence, he served as the country's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.
The Government of India began observing his birth anniversary as National Unity Day in 2014. The objective is to raise awareness among people about the country's unity, integrity and security.
On this occasion, schools, colleges, government offices and other institutions administer the National Unity pledge. Rallies, marches and cultural programmes are also organised at several locations, with particular emphasis on youth participation.
Large-scale celebrations are also being organised at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat this year.
During an event in Banaskantha on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that a special programme would be held at Ekta Nagar on Saturday evening. He also appealed to young people to participate in the programme in large numbers.
