National Unity Day – Rashtriya Ekta Diwas – is being observed across the country today, on the occasion of the 144th birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Since 2014, October 31st is observed as the National Unity Day and people from all walks of life participate in the ‘Run For Unity’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to Sardar Patel at the ‘Statue of Unity’ at Kevadiya in Gujarat this morning. Later, he administered a pledge on national unity to a large gathering.
The Prime Minister also witnessed the ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade’ by personnel of Gujarat Police and central armed forces. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said Mr Modi will visit a technology demonstration site and interact with civil service probationers at Kevadiya. Meanwhile President Ram Nath Kovind, Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri paid tributes to Sardar Patel at his statue at Patel Chowk in the national Capital.
Vice President has also paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary today. Mr Naidu said, Sardar Patel was a visionary statesman, astute political administrator and the creator of India’s steel frame – the Civil Services. He said, Sardar Patel not only brought about geographical unity of the country by ensuring integration of more than 560 Princely States with the Union of India, but also strongly believed in India’s social and cultural unity.