National Unity Day 2025: Celebrating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Legacy Through His Inspirational Quotes

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, commonly known as National Unity Day, is celebrated annually on October 31st to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This significant day promotes national unity, integrity, and security while encouraging citizens to take pride in their cultural heritage and national identity.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, revered as the "Iron Man of India," was a visionary leader who played a fundamental role in India's freedom struggle. As the country's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, he was instrumental in uniting the numerous princely states into a cohesive Indian nation, ensuring the country remained unified and resilient.

Here are several profound quotes by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel that reflect his wisdom and patriotic vision:

"Happiness and misery are paper balls. Don't be afraid of death. Join the nationalist forces, be united. Give work to those who are hungry, food to invalids, forget your quarrels" - Expressed during the Quit India Movement on March 7, 1942.

"We have to shed mutual bickering, shed the difference of being high or low and develop the sense of equality and banish untouchability. We have to restore the conditions of Swaraj prevalent prior to British rule. We have to live like the children of the same father" - Stated during the Quit India Movement on January 21, 1942.

"The negligence of a few could easily send a ship to the bottom, but it required the whole-hearted co-operation of all on board; she could be safely brought to port" - Addressed to villagers of Bardoli taluka during the Bardoli Movement on May 14, 1928.

"Non-violence has to be observed in thought, word and deed. The measure of our non-violence will be the measure of our success" - Declared when announcing the resumption of the struggle at Rajkot on January 26, 1939.

"So long as you do not know how to die it is useless for you to learn how to kill. India will not be benefited by brutal force. If India is to be benefited it will be through non-violence" - While addressing students at Surat on August 5, 1928.

"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness" - Emphasized when speaking about character development among students at the Rashtriya Shala Board meeting in Karadi, Jalalpore district on June 13, 1935.

"Religion is a matter between the man and his Maker" - Shared during a public meeting at Ernakulam on May 15, 1950.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently announced grand celebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. During a gathering on October 30, he emphasized Patel's crucial role in unifying post-independence India.

Shah declared, "We all know that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a big role in uniting India post-independence. Tomorrow is the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. This year's unique celebrations of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas will include a grand parade."

He further announced, "The Home Ministry has decided that, from this year onward, a grand parade will be held on every 31st October. During the Parade, CAPFs and State Police forces will showcase their skills, discipline, and valour."

"PM Modi will take part in the parade at 7:55 A.M., the way parade is conducted in Republic Day, the same will be held on the Birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel every year."