The birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, October 31, is celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day). The celebration of Ekta Diwas was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. The Ministry of Home Affairs had noted in their official press release announcing the observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas that the “occasion will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity, and security of our country.”

Often referred to as the “Bismack of India”, Patel’s name is noted in the pages of Indian history for being the man who cajoled and convinced a large number of princely states to join the Indian Union. Ekta diwas is an attempt by the government to celebrate Patel’s efforts in unifying India.

We salute one of the foremost founding fathers of independent India for making India a free and united nation for which he suffered and sacrificed his utmost throughout his life. Born on 31st October 1875, Sardar Patel will always be remembered for integrating hundreds of princely states with the Indian Union with great skill and masterful diplomacy.

fter getting elected in Municipal Corporation in 1917, when Mahatma Gandhi’s Swadeshi Movement was at its peak, Sardar Patel joined forces with other revolutionaries and raised the fight for Independence to a new level. He was an integral part of the ‘Quit India Movement’ under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and all the other previous movements launched under his guidance. With his unmatched wisdom and political foresight, Sardar Patel understood the British Policy that intended to make India into smaller princely states and decided to make one united independent country that became the Republic of India.

Sardar Patel was born in a small village in Nadiad at a farmer’s house. Since his childhood, Patel was hard working individual who later on became a historic figure in India’s independence tale. He passed his high-school examination in 1896. In spite of family’s poor financial conditions, his father asked him to join college, but Patel refused. For about 3 years he stayed at home, worked harder and prepared for the District Leader’s examination which he passed out with good results.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is one of those few political figures who’s sacrifices will move you to tears. Mostly these are tears of pride and honour for making India what it is – a proud and democratic country.

Today, on his birth anniversary, the entire country salutes the ‘Iron Man’ and will always be grateful for his contributions in the freedom struggle.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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