National Unity Day 2026: PM Modi to Lead Celebrations at Ekta Nagar, Unity March Held in Bhubaneswar

India is celebrating the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India, on October 31. On this occasion, National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) is being celebrated with great enthusiasm at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the national-level programme.

This year’s celebrations are centred on the theme of ‘Vande Mataram’, highlighting national unity, integrity and patriotism.

PM Modi to Inaugurate Development Projects Worth Over Rs 400 Crore

Following the floral tribute at the Statue of Unity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for development projects worth more than Rs 400 crore.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will also explore the Rainforest and Vaman Vriksha Vatika. A special presentation focusing on a Naxal-free India will be organised as part of the celebrations.

The programme will also feature cultural performances by around 5,000 artists, showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity and the spirit of national integration.

National Unity Day Celebrated in Bhubaneswar

National Unity Day was also observed in Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar, to commemorate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary and reaffirm the commitment to protecting the country’s unity, integrity and sovereignty.

The Odisha Department of Sports and Youth Services organised a unity march that began at Kalinga Stadium.

Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj flagged off the march. A large number of young people, sportspersons, social workers and prominent citizens participated in the event, expressing solidarity with the ideals of national unity and integration.

The march aimed to inspire the younger generation to uphold the country’s unity and integrity while remembering Sardar Patel’s significant contribution to nation-building.

Suryabanshi Suraj Highlights Patel’s Contribution to National Integration

Addressing the gathering, Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj highlighted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s historic role in integrating more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union after Independence.

He described the youth as India’s greatest asset and stressed the importance of their participation in safeguarding the country’s democratic institutions, sovereignty and self-reliance.

The minister also expressed concern that certain international forces were attempting to obstruct India’s progress and self-reliance. However, he asserted that the country’s youth remained united in protecting its democratic system and sovereignty.

He further emphasised that preserving the sacrifices and contributions of national leaders such as Sardar Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi was a collective responsibility.

Why Is National Unity Day Celebrated on October 31?

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a pivotal role in India’s national integration following Independence in 1947. His efforts to bring the princely states together helped lay the foundation for a united India, earning him the title of the Iron Man of India.

To honour his legacy and recognise his contribution to national unity, the Government of India began observing October 31, his birth anniversary, as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in 2014.

According to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, National Unity Day provides an opportunity to reaffirm the country’s inherent strength and resilience. It also encourages citizens to confront actual and potential threats to India’s unity and integrity.

The annual observance seeks to strengthen national solidarity and inspire citizens, particularly the youth, to contribute towards preserving the unity, security and sovereignty of the nation.