India is celebrating October 31 as National Unity Day to pay tributes to veteran freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was also the country's first home minister whose contribution in convincing many of the princely states to join the Union of India after Independence remains especially notable.

Key facts

• Government of India had introduced this day in 2014 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• Year 2021 marked 146th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Why Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrated?

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Patel, acknowledging his efforts to unite the country. Sardar Patel had played a crucial role in the freedom movement of India as well as in its integration.

Significance of National Unity Day

The National Unity Day will be marked as a reminder of strength of India. It will also highlight the resilience of India towards dangers posed against the security, unity and integrity of India.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel is endeared as Sardar. He was an Indian statesman, who served as the first Deputy Prime Minister of India during 1947-1950. He was an Indian barrister and served as a senior leader of the Indian National Congress (INC). he played a leading role in the struggle for independence of India. He guided on the integration of India into a united, independent nation. He also served as Home Minister during political integration of India and during Indo-Pakistani War of 1947.