Rashtriya Ekta Diwas: A Pillar of National Cohesion
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas: A Pillar of National Cohesion
Key Takeaways
Introduction
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, also known as National Unity Day, is observed annually on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Pateland to honor his pivotal role in fostering national and political integration and unity in India. The day underscores the importance of maintaining the sovereignty, peace and integrity of the nation, encouraging citizens to pledge their commitment to unity in diversity.
The day was first celebrated in 2014, following a declaration by the Government of India to honour and celebrate Sardar Patel’s remarkable contribution to nation-building. Following this, during the Rashtriya Ekta Divas held on 31st October, 2015 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced the initiative ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ for sustained and structured connect between people of different regions of the country for an enhanced understanding and bonding between them. More than ten Central ministries, state governments, schools, colleges and youth organisations have since been celebrating through various activities to promote such bonding between people from different parts of the country.
This year’s celebration of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is particularly special as it marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.
Foundational Legacy
India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial role in the national integration process following independence in 1947. Hewas tasked with unifying over 560 princely states—covering nearly 40% of India’s territory and population—into the Union of India. Under the Indian Independence Act, rulers of the Princely States were given the option to decide whether they wanted to accede to India or Pakistan or neither. Sardar Patel employed a combination of diplomatic negotiations, persuasion, and, where necessary, firm administrative measures to prevent balkanisation. Through the States Department he led, Sardar Patel successfully integrated these states by August 15, 1947, or shortly thereafter, ensuring the territorial integrity of modern India. His efforts averted potential fragmentation and laid the foundation for a united democratic republic. It was the decisive leadership of this “Iron Man’ that ensured internal stability as the country went through its tumultuous partition period. He also created the All-India Services as the “Steel Frame” that would continue to protect the country’s unity and integrity.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat: Carrying Forward Sardar Patel’s Legacy
The “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” (EBSB) initiative, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31 October 2015 during Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 140th birth anniversary, embodies Sardar Patel’s vision of a united India. It promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding among States and Union Territories, celebrating India’s diversity through interaction and reciprocity.
Its core objectives are to:
EBSB promotes the idea of “unity in diversity” by pairing different States and Union Territories to strengthen emotional bonds through linguistic, cultural, and educational exchanges. These activities extend the message of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas beyond a single day, transforming it into a sustained movement for national integration.
EBSB Events and Initiatives Inspired by Ekta Diwas:
Importance in 2025: Marking the 150th Birth Anniversary
The occasion has been envisioned as a year-long, nationwide commemoration. This milestone highlights Sardar Patel’s enduring relevance in contemporary India, especially amid global challenges to unity and social cohesion.The spirit of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is also deeply aligned with the principles of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB), which seeks to strengthen emotional bonds among citizens through cultural exchange, linguistic appreciation, and mutual understanding between paired States and Union Territories. Together, these initiatives reinforce the concept of unity in diversity, thus transforming national integration from a ceremonial observance into an ongoing people’s movement.
On 31st October, at around 8 AM, Prime Minister will offer floral tribute at the Statue of Unity, which will be followed by Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The events and programs scheduled for Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary is as follows:
Section
Details
Date of main event
31 October (annually) — the observance of National Unity Day.
Venue for main parade / celebration (this year)
– Ekta Nagar (formerly Unity Town) in Narmada District, Gujarat.
-Air show by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran team.
Parade – Participating units
– 16 marching contingents from 9 States + 1 UT Police.
– 4 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
– NCC cadets
– Special segments: e.g., BSF dog squad, Assam Police motorcycle display, BSF camel contingent & band.
Women officers’ role / special highlight
The Guard of Honor presented to the Prime Minister will be led by a female officer.
Cultural programme & “floats” (झांकियाँ)
– Floats representing different States/UTs under theme “विविधतामेंएकता” (Unity in Diversity).
– A large cultural programme by the Ministry of Culture with approx. 900 artists, showcasing Indian classical and folk forms.
Extended festival / “India Parv”
From November 1 to 15, 2025, Ekta Nagar will host the Bharat Parv, featuring cultural performances and a food festival from different states. The festival will culminate on November 15 with special programs celebrating God Birsa Munda Jayanti, highlighting the glorious culture and resilient spirit of our tribal communities.
Other logistic highlights
– “Run for Unity” marathon in Delhi (from Rajghat to Red Fort) featuring participation from Persons with Disabilities, students, CAPF etc.
– Infrastructure projects worth ~Rs. 280 crore to be inaugurated/laid foundation in Ekta Nagar during the event week.
Unique marching contingent of Indian breed dogs
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade in 2025 will feature a unique marching contingent of Indian breed dogs, specifically Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds, from the Border Security Force (BSF), showcasing their role as force multipliers in operations. These indigenous breeds, embodying the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, will demonstrate their exceptional skills, with the Mudhol Hound “Riya” leading the squad after securing first place in the All India Police Dog Competition. Their participation in the parade at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, highlights their contribution to national security and underscores the theme of unity in diversity by celebrating India’s native canine heritage.
The Saradar@150 Unity March
The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through the My Bharat platform, has organised a nationwide Unity March (Yatra) to foster unity, patriotism, and civic responsibility among the youth, aligning with the principles of ‘Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. Launched on October 6, 2025, by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on the My Bharat portal, the initiative includes competitions such as a Social Media Reels contest, an essay competition, and the Sardar@150 Young Leaders program, with 150 winners participating in the National Padyatra.
The Unity March will unfold in two phases. The first phase, taking place from October 31- November 25, 2025, will feature district-level foot marches across all districts within every Parliamentary constituency. These marches will be preceded by a series of awareness activities, including essay and debate competitions, seminars on Sardar Patel’s life and contributions, and street plays in schools and colleges. Alongside the padyatra, a range of developmental initiatives will be undertaken across districts — such as cleanliness drives at water bodies, tree plantation drives under the “Sardar Upvan” initiative, women’s welfare camps, yoga and health camps, and “Vocal for Local” promotional campaigns.The National March, from November 26 to December 6, 2025, will cover 152 kilometers from Karamsad (Sardar Patel’s birthplace in Gujarat) to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, incorporating community development activities in villages along the route with participation from NSS students, NCC cadets, My Bharat volunteers, and young leaders. An exhibition showcasing India’s diverse culture and Sardar Patel’s life will also be organised.
Run for Unity
Government-directed campaigns for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas prominently feature the “Run for Unity,” a nationwide marathon event symbolising collective strides toward national cohesion. In 2025, the Run for Unity is scheduled for October 31, ahead of the main observance, with participation expected from thousands across major cities, including flag-off events in New Delhi led by Union Ministers. Honourable Prime Minister Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi called upon citizens across the nation to participate in the Run for Unity event, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Conclusion
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas stands as a timeless reminder of Sardar Patel’s visionary leadership in forging a united India from diverse princely states, a foundation that continues to underpin the nation’s progress. By blending historical reverence with contemporary engagement through oaths, marches, and cultural events—the observance not only commemorates past triumphs but actively counters modern divisive forces, reinforcing the ethos of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” While Rashtriya Ekta Diwas marks a symbolic day of national integration, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat extends that mission throughout the year through structured activities like Rashtriya Bhasha Samarohs, Cultural Showcases, and Youth Parivartan Programmes. These sustained initiatives help ensure that the spirit of unity in diversity continues to resonate well beyond the annual observance.
References
Press Information Bureau:
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
Government of India