Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade near Kevadia in Gujarat on October 31
This year's celebration is particularly special as it marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
About Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
It is celebrated every year on 31st October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who is known as the Iron Man of India.
The event will be held at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, where Sardar Patel's Statue of Unity was inaugurated in 2018
The theme for the event is 'Unity in Diversity'
Unlike previous years when the parade was static, this year it will be a "moving parade" and will include tableaux from different States
The celebrations aim at highlighting the spirit of national unity, harmony and patriotism.
Significance of the Day
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas symbolizes India's unity, integrity and national solidarity
The annual celebrations remind the country of the pivotal role that Sardar Patel played in the formation of an independent India
Contribution of Patel towards India's Unity
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of the country
He played a pivotal role in uniting 562 princely states and laying the foundation of modern India
Due to his leadership and unwavering commitment to national unity, Sardar Patel is revered as the "Architect of National Unity and the Iron Man of India"