India
Modi marks Patel's 151st birth anniversary in Gujarat
The Hindu·
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31 paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. The day marks Patel's 151st birth anniversary, observed as National Unity Day. Patel was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad. As first Home Minister after 1947, he oversaw integration of over 560 princely states.
Prism
What It Means For You
- National Unity Day events on October 31 centre on Patel's birth anniversary across official calendars.
- Visitors to the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar see the annual floral tribute stop on this date.
- School and civic programmes that use the day cite Patel's role after Independence.
What's Happening
- Modi reached the Statue of Unity in the morning and offered floral tributes.
- In a message he called Patel the pioneer of Akhand Bharat and the Iron Man of the country.
- Union home minister Amit Shah also issued a National Unity Day greeting naming Patel.
Why October 31 Is Marked
- Patel was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, and died on December 15, 1950.
- He became India's first Home Minister after Independence in 1947.
- The Modi government has observed October 31 as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas since 2014.
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