National Unity Day 2025, Celebration of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

National Unity Day is celebrated on 31st October each year in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the "Iron Man of India." The day honors his tireless activities to unify over 560 princely states into a single independent India and, in the process, construct national unity and power. 

National Unity Day 2025 is Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary. Events across the country, including the "Run for Unity" marathon, function to encourage citizens to comply and promote the spirit of unity and harmony.

National Unity Day 2025

National Unity Day is also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. It will be celebrated on 31st October 2025, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the “Iron Man of India”. It serves as a reminder of his vision for a united India, symbolized through the theme “Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” 

India celebrates the National Unity Day 2025 by organizing various cultural events, such as the Run for Unity, which emphasizes values of unity, integrity, and national solidarity. This day reinforces the spirit of unity and brotherhood among citizens, defining the strength of the nation. 

National Unity Day 2025 Theme

Every year, National Unity Day is marked with a different theme that highlights a particular aspect of national integration. Although the official National Unity Day 2025 theme is usually announced around this time by the Ministry of Home Affairs, past themes have highlighted themes like "Integration of India," "United India, Strong India," and "Celebrating Unity in Diversity." 

For National Unity Day 2025, the theme is likely to be all about strengthening the ties of unity in the face of challenges of today.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Biography

Sardar Patel initially experimented as a lawyer, becoming a successful barrister in Ahmedabad. But the Swaraj call of Mahatma Gandhi moved him profoundly, and he relinquished his highly lucrative practice to dive into the freedom struggle. He gained prominence very quickly and became a leading figure in the Indian National Congress within a short time. 

His efforts in Kheda Satyagraha (1918) and Bardoli Satyagraha (1928), in which he earned the title "Sardar" (chief or leader) of the peasants of the region, reflected his good organizational ability and mass mobilization strength.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Political Career

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel began his political career in 1917 as Sanitation Commissioner of Ahmedabad when he was elected to the position.

1. Influenced by the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, he was an active participant in the struggle for Indian independence, spearheading notable movements including:

• Kheda Satyagraha (1918)
• Bardoli Satyagraha (1928)
• Quit India Movement (1942)

2. Patel was President of the Indian National Congress in 1931 and was one of the prime party organizers of the party's movements and elections.

3. At the time of India's independence in 1947, he became the nation's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.

4. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel role in unification of India is of paramount importance and contributed to the political integration of over 560 princely states to free India. This earned him the title of "Iron Man of India."

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Death and Legacy

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel passed away on December 15, 1950, in Bombay (now Mumbai) from a heart attack, at the age of 75. Patel's health was deteriorating due to the heavy workload and stress he had while unifying the country post-independence:

• The legacy of Patel continues to inspire generations. Patel is remembered as the "Iron Man of India" and the "Architect of National Unity.".
• In his honor, numerous landmarks have been named, including the Sardar Patel National Memorial, Sardar Sarovar Dam, and Ahmedabad airport.
• Posthumously in 1991, he was honored with the Bharat Ratna.
• In 2014, his birthday, 31 October, was enacted as National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas).
• The 182-meter Statue of Unity in Gujarat, inaugurated in 2018, is a colossal memorial to his indomitable spirit and unifying vision.

Activities Performed on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 will be celebrated across the length and breadth of the country with various activities and events that are designed to imbibe the spirit of unity. The government, schools, and other institutions are responsible for organizing such events.

Some of the common activities on National Unity Day are:

• "Run for Unity": A run or marathon that is organized in various towns and cities to symbolize the collective desire for national integration. The exercise typically sees the mass participation of citizens of all ages.
• Pledge of Unity: Students, public servants, and citizens take an oath to preserve the unity, integrity, and security of the country.
• Educational Programs: Schools and colleges organise debates, essay competitions, cultural events, and lectures on Sardar Patel's contributions and the importance of national unity.
• Awareness Campaigns: Awareness campaigns are conducted via various media in order to inform the common masses about the historical significance of the day and the modern-day significance of unity.
• Cultural Performances: Cultural performances in the form of traditional dance, songs, and arts of various regions are showcased to greet India's rich cultural diversity.

Significance of National Unity Day 2025

The significance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 lies in more than just remembering a historical figure.

• It is a useful exercise in nation-building, always reminding individuals of what unites India.
• It encourages thought about how to contribute to peace, harmony, and respect for each other in a society as pluralistic as India.
• Reminds us of Sardar Patel's dream of a strong and integrated India based on respect for each other and progress together.
• Stresses India's commitment to Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, where growth is driven by solidarity and inclusivity.