National Unity Day (India)

National Unity Day (Hindi: राष्ट्रीय ऐक्य दिवस, romanized: Rāshtrīya Aikya Divas) is celebrated in India on 31 October. It was introduced by the Government of India in 2014. The day is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who had a major role in the political integration of India.[1][2]

National Unity Day
Commemorative stamp issued on National Unity Day 2016 depicting Statue of Unity and Sardar Patel
Official nameRashtriya Ekta Diwas
TypeNational
SignificanceCelebrating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Date31 October
FrequencyAnnual

Objective and pledge

The official statement for National Unity Day by the Home Ministry of India cites that the National Unity Day "will provide an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity, and security of our country."[3]

On the day, a pledge is read out in government offices:[1]

I solemnly pledge that I dedicate myself to preserving the unity, integrity, and security of the nation and also strive hard to spread this message among my fellow countrymen. I take this pledge in the spirit of the unification of my country which was made possible by the vision and actions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. I also solemnly resolve to make my own contribution to ensure the internal security of my country.

31 October is also celebrated as Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas or National Pledge Day as it marks the day of assassination of Indira Gandhi.[4] Several schools and colleges, especially in Congress-run states, organize rallies and programmes in remembrance of Indira Gandhi.

See also

References
  1. "What is National Unity Day and why is it celebrated on 31st October?". Scroll.in. 31 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  2. "Nation observes Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on birth national unity day also known as anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel", Business Standard, 31 October 2016
  3. "Observance of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on 31st October", pib.nic.in, New Delhi: National Informatics Centre, Press Information Bureau, 24 October 2014
  4. "Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas: Why is Indira Gandhi's Death Day Celebrated as National Pledge Day?".
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