Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti 2026 (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas)

• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti 2026 marks the Iron Man of India's 151st birth anniversary.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti 2026 marks the birth anniversary of a national leader whose efforts played a decisive role in shaping independent India. He was born in 1875 in Gujarat and is remembered for integrating more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union. His commitment to national unity earned him the title- “Iron Man of India”. The occasion also highlights his contributions to India’s independence movement, governance and the development of a strong administrative system.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2026

• Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2026, also known as National Unity Day, will be observed on 31 October to mark Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Birth Anniversary 2026 and honour his lasting contribution to national integration.
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Who was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel? 

• Birth: Born on 31st October 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat.  
•  His family belonged to the Lewa Patidar community. 
• Career: Completed law studies in England, earning a prize in Roman Law, and returned to India as a barrister in 1913. 
•  Title and Legacy: Popularly known as the "Iron Man of India" for his determination and firm approach. He is revered as a symbol of national unity and resilience. 
•  India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, led the integration of 560 princely states into a united India after 1947.

   Political Rise: 

•    Joining the National Movement: Patel was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and joined the freedom struggle. 
•   Kheda Satyagraha (1918): He played a pivotal role in Kheda Satyagraha demanding tax exemptions for farmers affected by crop failure due to drought. 
•  Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): Led the resistance during the Bardoli Satyagraha against an unjust tax increase, earning him the title "Sardar" for his leadership. 

What is Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day)?

•    About: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas instituted in 2014 by the Government of India to recognise Sardar Patel’s role in unifying India.
•    It symbolises the ideals of national integration, peace, and unity in diversity.
•   It encourages citizens to reaffirm their commitment to national integrity and collective strength.
•   The day also serves as a platform to promote the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB)’ initiative, announced by PM Modi in 2015.   
• Statue of Unity: Inaugurated on 31st October 2018 at Kevadia, Gujarat, the Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue at 182 metres, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
•    It is located on Sadhu Bet hillock overlooking the Narmada River and the Sardar Sarovar Dam, it symbolises national unity and pride.
•    In 2020, it was recognised among the “Eight Wonders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).”