October 31 is observed as the National Unity Day in our nation. This year, Union Home Minister, Amit Shah has advised the chief ministers of all states and union territories to host a range of special events to pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel whose birth anniversary is observed as the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in India.

In his letter to Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, Amit Shah has mentioned that the celebration of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas holds a special significance this year, with the abolition of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. He further wrote that the task of integrating Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as a part of India by overruling the Article 370 of the Indian Constitution truly marks the achievement of fulfilling the dream of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for an integrated India.

The Home Ministry has advised organizing a series of special events on the day across all the states of the nation. Among all the events organized, one that remains as most special and the first will be the National Unity Day parade held at the Statue of Unity (the 182 m long statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel) that is located at Kevadiya in Gujarat. Police forces from various states and union territories will participate in the parade. Moreover, the centre has asked all the district administrations to organize a ‘Run for Unity’ as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

In his letter to the states and union territories, Amit Shah has also included a portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel along with a quotation of his, “No one would be permitted to damage the security, unity, and integrity of India.” He further requested the portrait to be displayed at all police stations and police offices of all the states along with the message of Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary to inspire both the civilians and police personnel.

Union Home Minister, Amit Shah has also asked the states and union territories to nominate the civilians working towards unity and integrity of our country for the newly instituted Sardar Patel National Unity Award. He has also made it clear that all the government officials of the state government and central government offices should read out a pledge on the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas that suggests that all the government officials shall strive to preserve the unity, integrity and security of the nation and spread the message among their fellow citizens.

It also emphasises on working in the spirit of unification of the country that has been possible by the vision and actions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The Central Government has been making arrangements in full swing to host a varied range of special events to pay tribute to the Iron Man Of India – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary.