Manik Saha Highlights Sardar Patel’s Legacy on 151st Birth Anniversary

India is celebrating the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31, with events across the country highlighting his contribution to national unity.

In Agartala, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha spoke about Patel’s role in bringing the country together and said his message of unity remains relevant even today.

Saha said that after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, the government decided to observe Patel’s birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, or National Unity Day.

The occasion is marked through activities such as the Run for Unity, public gatherings and programmes organised by government departments and security forces.

Who was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and why is he remembered?

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was one of the leading figures of India's freedom movement and the country's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.

He played a major role in bringing hundreds of princely states into the Indian Union after independence in 1947.

At that time, India was not politically united in the way we know it today. Along with the provinces that came under British rule, there were hundreds of princely states, each with its own ruler.

Bringing these states together was a difficult task. Patel, with the support of V. P. Menon and others, played a central role in negotiating their integration into independent India.

This contribution earned him the title 'Iron Man of India'.

His role in national integration is the main reason his birth anniversary is observed as National Unity Day.

What did Manik Saha say in Agartala?

Speaking in Agartala, Chief Minister Manik Saha said Patel's contribution to building a united India should always be remembered.

He also referred to Patel's vision of people living together despite their differences.

Saha said that protecting India's unity and integrity is particularly important at a time when, in his view, external forces are attempting to weaken the country.

He also informed that a Run for Unity had been organised in Tripura. The police department had arranged a separate programme, which he said he would attend.

His message was that national unity should not remain limited to speeches or celebrations. It should also be reflected in how people respect one another and work together.

What is Run for Unity?

The Run for Unity is a public event organised to mark National Unity Day. People from different backgrounds take part in the run to spread the message of national integration and togetherness.

Schools, colleges, government departments, police forces and local organisations often participate in such activities.

The idea is simple: people may speak different languages, follow different traditions and belong to different communities, but they are all part of one country.

The event uses sport and public participation to communicate this message, particularly among young people.

Why is National Unity Day important today?

India is a country of many languages, religions, cultures and traditions. This diversity is one of its defining features, but maintaining unity among such a large population also requires mutual respect and cooperation.

National Unity Day provides an opportunity to remember the people who contributed to bringing the country together and to reflect on the importance of national integration.

Patel's role in integrating princely states remains a major part of India's history. His legacy is also linked to the idea that national strength comes from people working together despite their differences.

At the same time, unity in a democracy also depends on respecting constitutional values, equal rights and the diversity of its citizens.

The bigger picture

The 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is being marked with programmes across India, including the Run for Unity.

In Tripura, Manik Saha has used the occasion to highlight Patel's contribution and the importance of protecting the country's unity and integrity.

The larger message of National Unity Day is that building a united country was not a one-time achievement. It is a continuing responsibility that involves every generation.