India Celebrates Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2026 on October 31 to Mark Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Birth Anniversary

Why in the News?

India observed **Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day)** on **October 31, 2026**, to commemorate the birth anniversary of the 'Iron Man of India' and the country's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, **Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel**.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Inception & Objective:

- Instituted by the Government of India in **2014**.

- Celebrated to reinforce national unity, integrity, and security while honoring Sardar Patel's monumental role in integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union.

- 2026 Key Focus / Theme: The primary theme for the 2026 celebrations was **'Naxalism-Free India' ('नक्सलवाद मुक्त भारत')**.

- Major Nationwide Events:

- **Ekta Nagar (Kevadia, Gujarat):** Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes at the Statue of Unity and inaugurated multiple developmental projects.

- **New Delhi:** President Droupadi Murmu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah offered tributes at Patel Chowk and flagged off the annual 'Run for Unity'.

- National Unity Pledges were administered across government offices, educational institutions, and police/defense establishments nationwide.

Static GK Facts:

- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:

- Popularly Known As: **'Iron Man of India'** and **'Bismarck of India'**.

- Historical Positions: First Deputy Prime Minister and First Home Minister of Independent India.

- Highest Civilian Honor: Awarded the **Bharat Ratna** posthumously in **1991**.

- Statue of Unity:

- Location: **Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Narmada district, Gujarat**.

- Height: **182 metres (597 feet)** — World's tallest statue.

- Chief Sculptor: **Ram V. Sutar**.

- Inauguration Date: October 31, 2018 (by PM Narendra Modi).

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is celebrated annually in India on October 31 to mark the birth anniversary of which leader?

A: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Q: In which year was National Unity Day instituted by the Government of India?

A: 2014

Q: What is the height of the Statue of Unity located in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat?

A: 182 metres (597 feet)

Q: Who was the chief sculptor of the Statue of Unity dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel?

A: Ram V. Sutar

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