PM Modi to lead 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Sardar Patel at Statue of Unity 

Ravi Jakhu

New Delhi, October 24, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead the nationwide observance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birth anniversary on October 31, 2025, at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat's Narmada Valley. This monumental event marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards unity and national integration.

The Statue of Unity, inaugurated by PM Modi in 2018, stands as the tallest statue in the world at 182 meters. It symbolizes Patel's pivotal role in unifying over 560 princely states into the Indian Union post-independence. The statue is situated on Sadhu Bet, a hillock between the Vidhyanchal and Saputara ranges, located 3.5 km downstream of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

Sardar Patel at 150: Renewing the Spirit of India’s Unity

On October 31, India will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, observed since 2014 as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day. This milestone arrives at a critical juncture, as the unity Patel painstakingly forged during the turbulent years of Independence faces new tests from social, political, and regional divides. Honoring Patel today goes beyond statues, marches, or commemorative coins—it demands a recommitment to the principles of cohesion, trust, and belonging in a diverse democracy.

Patel’s Monumental Achievement

Born in 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat, Sardar Patel’s journey—from a lawyer to a Gandhian satyagrahi and eventually India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister—was marked by resolute leadership.

His most enduring legacy was the integration of over 560 princely states into the Indian Union. In the late 1940s, with the subcontinent reeling from Partition, India’s map was a fragile mosaic of semi-autonomous kingdoms and feudal estates. Working alongside V.P. Menon, with the support of Jawaharlal Nehru and Lord Mountbatten, Patel employed a blend of diplomacy and firmness to unify these disparate entities into a single republic.

The integration of Junagadh, Hyderabad, and Kashmir presented immense challenges, yet Patel’s strategic resolve ensured the Union’s survival. His efforts stand as a monumental feat of state-building, securing India’s geographical and political coherence in the 20th century.

The Essence of National Unity Day

Instituted to honor Patel’s vision, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is more than a ceremonial occasion. It involves unity pledges, “Run for Unity” events, and cultural programs, with the Ministry of Home Affairs emphasizing it as a moment to “reaffirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand threats to unity, integrity, and security.” However, the day’s true value lies in sparking meaningful dialogue about unity in today’s India. For Patel, unity was not about erasing differences but about fostering solidarity under a shared Constitution amidst diversity.

Why Patel’s Vision Resonates Today

Seventy-five years after his passing, Patel’s legacy offers critical lessons for contemporary India:

1. Federalism and Diversity: Patel championed a strong center while respecting local identities, viewing federalism as a partnership, not a top-down imposition. As regional, linguistic, and cultural aspirations grow, his balanced approach to unity and autonomy remains essential.
2. Institutional Cohesion: Beyond territorial integration, Patel strengthened administrative unity through civil service reforms. His belief in impartial institutions as the backbone of the Union is a reminder to rebuild trust in public systems today.
3. Countering Fragmentation: Patel confronted rebellions, princely resistance, and external threats. Modern challenges—digital polarization, economic disparities, and youth disengagement—require the same resolve to prevent division from undermining the collective.
4. Global Influence: A united India carries greater weight on the world stage. As India positions itself as a leader of the Global South, internal cohesion, as Patel envisioned, is a strategic necessity.

Moving Beyond Symbolism

The 150th anniversary has prompted initiatives like a ₹150 commemorative coin, a 152-km unity march in Gujarat, and nationwide cultural events. While these are significant, Patel’s legacy was rooted in pragmatism, not pomp. To truly honor him, India must focus on substance:

● Bridging Social Divides: Unity thrives on trust and inclusion. Efforts to heal communal and caste divisions should be as central to Ekta Diwas as symbolic gestures.
● Engaging the Youth: Patel’s generation fought for unity against colonial rule. Today’s youth must be involved through civic education, dialogue, and active participation, not just ceremonial events.
● Strengthening Institutions: From the judiciary to local governance, transparent and fair institutions are the foundation of unity. Patel’s emphasis on administrative integrity remains a guiding principle.

The Ongoing Journey of Unity

Unity in India is not a finished task but a continuous endeavor, renewed by each generation. Patel demonstrated that vision and determination could overcome distrust and fragmentation. His work, however, remains a work in progress.

As we mark his 150th birth anniversary, the challenge is not merely to celebrate Patel but to embody his vision. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas must inspire governments to govern inclusively, institutions to act impartially, and citizens to prioritize the collective over divisive interests. Patel’s greatest legacy was not just the unified map he crafted but the conviction that unity, once achieved, could endure. It is our responsibility to prove that conviction true by fostering not only territorial but also social and moral unity—the bedrock of a resilient nation