National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) was observed across India on 31 October 2015 to commemorate the 140th birthday of Independent India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Sardar Vallabhai Patel.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off Run for Unity at Rajpath in New Delhi. It was followed by similar marathons across different parts of Country to pay tribute to the efforts made by Sardar Patel to unite India.
Background
In October 2014, NDA Government led by PM Narendra Modi had declared 31 October as National Unity Day to mark the birth anniversary of country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Born: 31 October, 1875 at Karamsand, Gujarat.
- He is known as the Iron Man of India or Bismarck of India and he is also remembered as the Patron Saint of India’s civil servants for establishing modern all-India services.
- By profession, he was a barrister and had successfully practiced law. Later he left law practice and joined the Indian national movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
- Sardar Vallabhai Patel played a key leadership role in organising peasant movements in Kheda, Borsad and Bardoli in Gujarat and promoted the Quit India Movement against the British Raj.
- His biggest contribution to India was his role in the integration of the over 500 princely states with India during 1947-49.
- He was the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India.
- He is known as the Iron Man of India or Bismarck of India and he is also remembered as the Patron Saint of India’s civil servants for establishing modern all-India services.