“There is something unique in this soil, which, despite many obstacles, has always remained the abode of great souls.”
-Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
About
-The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is celebrated on 31st October every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India.
-Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is also fondly known as the Iron Man of India. He renowned for his exceptional leadership and unyielding commitment to national integration.
-This day is celebrated to honour his efforts in unifying India as a Nation and strengthening the spirit of solidarity among its people.
Celebration this year
The celebration this year is particularly special as it marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. The programme will be held at Ekta nagar, Narmada District, Gujarat, featuring a grand parade and cultural festival that reflect India’s unity in diversity.
Highlight of the Celebration:
- Parade of Pride: The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and State Police Forces will display their skills, discipline and valour through coordinated drills and formations.
- Women in Command: A female officer will lead the Guard of Honour presented to the Prime Minister, highlighting women’s participation in security forces.
- Honouring Bravery: The parade will feature five Shaurya Chakra awardees from CRPF and sixteen gallantry medal winners from BSF.
- Marching Contingents: The major attractions will be marching contingents of BSF Indian-bred dog squad, Gujarat Police Horse Contingent, Assam Police Motorcycle Daredevil Show and the BSF Camel Contingent and Camel Mounted Band. NCC cadets and school bands will be bring youthful energy to the celebration.
- Tableaux of Unity - State and Union Territory tableaux will highlight India’s cultural richness and diversity.
- Cultural Gala: Organised by the Ministry of Culture, a grand cultural programme will feature 900 artists performing classical dances from across the country, representing India’s rich diversity through art and heritage.
- Sikkim’s Participation: Chief Minister of Sikkim and the Governor of Sikkim, accompanied by Speaker and Tourism Minister shall attend Bharat Parav at Ekta Nagar on November 10. Additionally, a cultural troupe from Sikkim will perform the traditional folk dance called ‘Singhi Chham’ or ‘Snow Lion Dance’ and the folk dance of Lepcha community called ‘Chu Faat’ to honour the deity Mount Khangchendzonga on November 3 at Ekta Nagar.
Living Unity: How Culture, Women and Institutions keep India Together
India’s Unity is not merely a constitutional ideal, it is a living spirit nurtured through its vibrant culture, empowered women and enduring institutions. From timeless traditions that celebrate diversity to the leadership of women who strengthen families and communities and the steadfast institutions that uphold justice and governance, each plays a vital role in weaving the fabric of national cohesion. Likewise, India’s Police and Central Armed Forces play a crucial role in maintaining law and order, providing security to its people and enabling peace for the country to flourish.
Together, they form the invisible threads that binds a vast and varied nation into one harmonious whole. This celebration honours the collective strength of India’s people and the values that continue to inspire resilience, inclusivity and unity in diversity.
Contributions
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's commitment to unifying India's princely states is exemplified through several key events:
1. Junagadh's Accession Crisis (1947): Sardar Patel swiftly addressed the Nawab's declaration to join Pakistan, first through persuasion and then military action, resulting in Junagadh's integration into India.
2. Hyderabad Operation Polo (1948): Sardar Patel treated the Nizam's refusal to accede as a national security issue and ordered a police action, bringing Hyderabad into the Indian Union.
3. Persuasion of Princes: Sardar Patel offered princely rulers Privy Purses and guarantees for titles and personal dignity, convincing over 550 rulers to sign the Instrument of Accession peacefully.
4. Crisis in Jammu & Kashmir (1947): Sardar Patel ensured administrative preparedness and rapid drafting of the Instrument of Accession, enabling the Indian Army's timely deployment and safeguarding Kashmir's integration.
5. Integration of Minor States: Patel personally oversaw reconciliation in smaller states like Baroda and Orissa Feudatory States, appealing to their sense of patriotism and convincing them to join India without force.
Sardar Patel on All India Services
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a pivotal role in establishing the All India Services (Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service and Indian Foreign Service) post Independence. He knew that these services will act as the backbone of the administration, ensuring cohesion between the Centre and States while bridging the gap between the Government and its citizens.
On his introductory address to the first batch of All India Administrative Service Officers, he said
“You are the instrument through which the State has to maintain law and order and to safeguard the interests of its people. If you set an example of integrity, efficiency and devotion to duty, you will be able to command the respect of the people.”
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