New Delhi, October 31: India on Saturday commemorated the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, remembering his decisive contribution to the country’s political integration, national unity and administrative foundations. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were among the leaders who paid tributes to the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.
The occasion is also observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day, reaffirming the country’s commitment to unity, integrity and security.
President Murmu and Vice-President Radhakrishnan paid floral tributes at Sardar Patel Chowk in New Delhi. Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj also paid their respects.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered floral tributes at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. In a message on social media, he described Patel as the architect of Akhand Bharat and the Iron Man of India, saying that his dedication and sacrifice continued to inspire the vision of a strong, prosperous and self-reliant country.
Shah described Patel as the architect of modern India and a symbol of national unity and integrity. He recalled Patel’s role in bringing together hundreds of princely states after Independence and strengthening the country’s administrative framework through the establishment of the All India Services.
From a lawyer to a leading figure in the freedom movement
Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, Vallabhbhai Patel initially pursued a career in law. After qualifying as a barrister in England, he returned to India and established a legal practice. His association with Mahatma Gandhi and the national movement gradually drew him into public life.
Patel’s organisational abilities became prominent during the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918. Farmers in the region were facing severe hardship after poor crop yields, but the British administration continued to demand land revenue. Patel helped organise the farmers and led the campaign seeking relief from revenue collection.
His leadership gained wider recognition during the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928. The movement was launched against an increase in land revenue imposed by the British administration. Patel organised the farmers and led a sustained campaign. Following the success of the agitation, local farmers gave him the title ‘Sardar’, meaning leader or chief.
Patel subsequently emerged as one of the senior leaders of the Indian National Congress. He was elected Congress president at the Karachi session in 1931 and played an important role in the freedom struggle, including the Quit India Movement of 1942. He was also imprisoned several times during the struggle against British rule.
Integrating more than 560 princely states
One of Patel’s most significant contributions came after India gained Independence on August 15, 1947. At that time, the country faced the enormous challenge of integrating more than 560 princely states into the new Union.
The partition of the country, communal violence and uncertainty over the future of several princely states made the task particularly difficult. As India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Patel took charge of the political integration process. V P Menon also played a crucial role in carrying out the negotiations and administrative arrangements.
Patel used a combination of negotiation, diplomacy and, where necessary, firm action to persuade the rulers of princely states to join India. The Instrument of Accession became an important mechanism in the process.
Junagadh presented a major challenge after its ruler decided to accede to Pakistan despite the majority population favouring integration with India. The issue was eventually resolved through a referendum. In Hyderabad, the Nizam refused to join India, leading to a military operation by the Indian government in 1948. Hyderabad subsequently became part of the Indian Union.
Through these complex negotiations and measures, more than 560 princely states were integrated into India. Patel’s role in preventing the fragmentation of the newly independent country earned him recognition as one of the principal architects of India’s political unity.
Building the administrative foundations of independent India
Patel’s contribution extended beyond territorial integration. He also recognised the importance of a strong administrative structure for a newly independent and diverse country.
He strongly supported the continuation and development of the All India Services, arguing that India needed an efficient administrative system capable of maintaining coordination between the Union and the states.
His vision helped shape the institutional foundations of the country’s administrative structure. The role of the Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service in maintaining administrative continuity and national coordination is often discussed in the context of Patel’s contribution.
Patel died on December 15, 1950. His legacy remains closely associated with India’s political integration, farmers’ movements and the establishment of a strong administrative framework.
National Unity Day and its significance
Since 2014, October 31 has been observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day to mark Patel’s birth anniversary. The objective is to reinforce the message of national unity, integrity and security.
Events organised across the country include the Run for Unity, unity pledges, marches and cultural programmes.
The central celebration this year is being held at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat. The programme includes a parade featuring police forces, Central Armed Police Forces and contingents from different states. This year’s celebrations are also highlighting India’s cultural diversity and the role of security forces, alongside the theme of the end of armed Naxalism.
