Rallies and marathons were organised in several parts of the country on October 31 as India observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The nationwide initiative brought together citizens, public representatives and officials to remember the former Deputy Prime Minister’s role in bringing the princely states together after Independence and strengthening India’s unity.
In Jaipur, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the event, describing Patel as the ‘Iron Man of India’ and recalling his contribution to the country’s integration. He said the Run for Unity was intended to reinforce the ideals of national solidarity, integrity and self-respect associated with Patel. Rajasthan BJP president Madan Rathore also spoke about Patel’s efforts to unite the princely states, linking his vision with the goal of building a developed India.
The observance extended to the Northeast, where Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha flagged off a similar event in Agartala. Recalling that Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was first observed in 2014, Saha said Patel’s legacy continued to hold significance in safeguarding the country’s unity. In Manipur’s Churachandpur, participants took part in a ‘National Unity Run for Peace’. At Chandigarh’s ‘Ekta Yatra’, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria highlighted how Patel’s leadership helped bring the country together and called upon young people to avoid drug abuse.
In the national capital, Union Home Minister Amit Shah led the celebrations by flagging off the Run for Unity. He credited the Modi government, since assuming office in 2014, with giving Patel’s legacy greater recognition. Shah recalled that Patel accomplished the integration of India within 1,218 days of Independence, calling it a remarkable feat. He also referred to the Statue of Unity as a symbol of the leader’s contribution and criticised earlier attempts to undermine his place in the country’s history.