New Delhi: Born on 31 October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s journey from a farming-family background to one of independent India’s foremost leaders is a story of tenacity and foresight. After studying law at London’s Middle Temple, he returned to India and entered the freedom struggle, eventually becoming the country’s first Home Minister and Deputy PM. His efforts in the immediate aftermath of independence earned him the moniker “Iron Man of India”.
Beyond his official titles, Patel’s greatest legacy lies in the integration of more than 550 princely states into the Indian Union after 1947, a task that required diplomatic finesse, political will and administrative skill.
Why October 31 Matters?
Since 2014, the Indian government has observed Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary as National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas), recognising his critical role in consolidating India’s territorial integrity and social cohesion. The 150th birth anniversary has added new momentum: major ceremonies are planned at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, including a parade modelled on the Republic Day format.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that from now on, every 31 October will feature such a grand parade and that the “Bharat Parv” (Nov 1–15) will celebrate the 150th milestone across the country.
Unity in Action: Campaigns and Ceremonies
Across states, events are geared toward reinforcing Patel’s message of national unity. In Delhi, for instance, students will ferry water from the Yamuna to rivers across India as part of a “unity water pledge”, symbolising connectivity across regions. Uttar Pradesh has launched self-reliant marches, essay contests, youth pledges and local fairs under the theme “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”.
These initiatives serve not just as commemoration but as active engagement, calling on citizens to reflect on Patel’s legacy in the context of the contemporary challenges of diversity, integration and social justice.
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Will His Vision of a United India Be Fulfilled?
The question of whether Patel’s vision has been fully realised is a complex one. On one hand, his institutional legacies, such as the All India Services and the integration of the princely states, remain cornerstones of modern India’s governance and national unity. Experts say that his firm belief in “a united India is a strong India” laid the foundations for the country’s federal and democratic framework. Yet, on the other hand, India still grapples with regionalism, identity politics, caste and community divides, and contested rights. Thus, while the structural unity that Patel worked for has largely held, the deeper challenge of ensuring inclusive social cohesion and overturning legacy inequalities remains. The 150th anniversary commemoration thereby becomes not just a celebration of past achievement, but a fresh call to action, to bridge the remaining divides, to turn unity into lived reality for every citizen, and to follow the path he laid with resolve.
Looking Ahead
While the spectacular events of October 31 2025 mark a high-point, the deeper test lies in sustaining the spirit of integration, national service and social harmony that defined Sardar Patel’s life. The two-year celebrations till 2026, youth-driven campaigns and institutionalised annual parades suggest a long-term commitment.
In embracing those ideals today, India not only honours a leader, it renews its own pledge to stay united, strong and inclusive.