National Unity Day 2025: 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Patel

Every year on October 31, India celebrates National Unity Day on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This year’s celebration holds special significance as the nation marks his 150th birth anniversary.

• Every year on October 31, India celebrates National Unity Day on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This year marks the 150th birth anniversary of Patel.
• The theme of National Unity Day 2025 is “Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” It was established by the Government of India in 2014 as a national observance to reaffirm the country’s commitment to unity, integrity, and security.
• Sardar Patel’s vision and determination unified 565 princely states and shaped the modern Indian nation. This day reminds us of his lifelong dedication to national unity, integrity, and cohesion.
• In 2025, the celebration will include a parade on the lines of the Republic Day parade in Delhi, featuring several security forces and state contingents.

A parade on the lines of the Republic Day celebration

• The main event is being held at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat’s Narmada district, where the iconic Statue of Unity is located. This venue symbolizes “Unity in Diversity,” representing India’s cultural richness and natural beauty.
• The parade will include major security forces such as BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB, as well as police contingents from Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Enhancing the grandeur further will be horse and camel contingents, martial arts displays, unarmed combat drills, and demonstrations by indigenous dog breeds—all showcasing India’s discipline, courage, and tradition.
• The Guard of Honour presented to the Prime Minister will be led by a woman officer.
• Female personnel from CISF and CRPF will perform martial arts and combat demonstrations, symbolizing the strength and confidence of Indian women.
• Indigenous dog breeds such as Rampur Hound and Mudhol Hound will also be part of the event, including Mudhol Hound “Riya,” winner of the All India Police Dog Competition.
• The event will also honor gallantry award winners, including five Shaurya Chakra awardees from CRPF and sixteen medal winners from BSF, who displayed bravery in counter-terrorism and anti-Naxal operations.

Bharat Parv 2025: A celebration of unity

• Following National Unity Day, Ekta Nagar will host Bharat Parv 2025 from November 1 to 15. The festival will include: a grand food festival showcasing regional cuisines, exhibitions, and activities celebrating national unity.
• The event will conclude on November 15 with Birsa Munda Jayanti, honoring tribal hero Birsa Munda and the rich heritage of India’s tribal communities.

Biography of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad (Gujarat), to Jhaverbhai Patel and Ladba Patel. He was a follower of the Vaishnav faith, and from childhood, he was filled with courage, discipline, and hard work, which later became the foundation for his emergence as a great leader of the nation.
• At the age of 36, he went to England to study law at Middle Temple in London and obtained the title of barrister. He began his practice as a lawyer in Ahmedabad and earned fame as a great lawyer for his sharp intellect, straightforwardness, and impartial judgment.
• In 1917, he met Mahatma Gandhi, who inspired him to take an active part in India’s freedom struggle.
• In 1928, he led the Bardoli Satyagraha and organized farmers against increased taxes. As a result of this movement, he was given the title “Sardar.”