Why in News ?
- October 31 marks Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) — commemorating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary (born in 1875).
- 2025 marks his 150th birth anniversary, celebrated through national events at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat — home to the 182-metre Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue.
- The theme underscores Patel’s nation-building legacy and the renewal of unity in India’s 21st-century diversity.
Relevance:
- GS 1 – Modern Indian History: Role of Sardar Patel in integrating princely states, building the Indian Union, and shaping post-Independence federal consolidation.
- GS 2 – Governance and Polity: Federalism, administrative unity through All India Services, and civic nationalism within constitutional democracy.
Background: Sardar Patel’s Historical Role
- Post-Independence Integration (1947–49):
- Unified 562+ princely states into the Indian Union through diplomacy, persuasion, and firmness.
- Handled key accessions — Junagarh, Hyderabad, Jammu & Kashmir — preventing potential fragmentation post-Partition.
- As Deputy PM & Home Minister, implemented a federal integration model balancing central authority with regional diversity.
- Vision of Unity:
- Not “uniformity” but a federation of minds and hearts, bound by shared civilizational ethos.
- Saw administrative unity as a foundation for political stability and national security.
Evolution of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
- Institutionalized in 2014 by the Government of India.
- Objective: Reinforce that national unity is an ongoing project, not a historical achievement.
- Celebrated annually through:
- Run for Unity (public participation campaign).
- Integrity Pledge by citizens, civil servants, and students.
- Cultural and patriotic events nationwide promoting solidarity.
Patel’s Vision of Unity: Key Dimensions
Political Unity
- Integration of princely states ensured India’s territorial and constitutional integrity.
- Prevented Balkanization, enabling democratic consolidation.
Administrative Unity
- Advocated All India Services (IAS, IPS) for continuity and national cohesion.
- Believed a strong Centre was essential for India’s survival amid diversity.
Cultural Unity
- Emphasized India’s shared civilizational identity — plural yet unified.
- Saw culture as the emotional and moral fabric sustaining political unity.
Spiritual Unity
- Rooted in India’s ethos of “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” (equal respect for all faiths).
- Nationalism grounded in dharma and collective duty, not religious homogeneity.
Contemporary Meaning of National Unity (2025 Context)
Cultural Integration
- Programmes under Ministry of Culture:
- Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) – State/UT pairing for exchange of language, cuisine, festivals, and arts.
- Zonal Cultural Centres & National Museums – Promote regional art forms across India.
- Example: Maharashtra–Assam exchange (Lavani–Bihu) fosters mutual understanding.
Tourism as an Integrator
- ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ Campaign & ‘Incredible India’ Digital Revamp promote domestic cultural tourism.
- 2024 Data: Over 294 crore domestic visits, indicating rising citizen engagement with national heritage.
- Schemes:
- Swadesh Darshan – Theme-based tourism circuits linking heritage & livelihood.
- PRASHAD – Pilgrimage rejuvenation linking faith, tourism, and unity.
- Local livelihood impact: Homestays, handicrafts, and intercultural exchanges (e.g., Nagaland–Gujarat crafts).
Institutional and Policy Unity
- Panch Pran of Amrit Kaal (2022–2047) reinforce unity as national purpose:
- Goal of developed India by 2047.
- Eradication of colonial mindset.
- Pride in heritage.
- Strengthening unity and solidarity.
- Duty of citizens towards nation-building.
Unity through Culture and Connectivity
- Cultural diplomacy strengthens internal cohesion by celebrating regional contributions.
- Digital platforms (National Mission on Cultural Mapping, Indian Heritage App) integrate citizens with shared narratives.
- Inter-state festivals, student exchanges, and tourism circuits convert diversity into experiential unity.
Challenges to Unity Today
- Regionalism and linguistic chauvinism challenging federal balance.
- Socio-economic inequalities creating internal divides.
- Misinformation and polarization fragmenting social cohesion.
- Neglect of cultural literacy leading to loss of shared heritage consciousness.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Cultural Federalism – Recognize diversity as an instrument of national cohesion.
- Inclusive Development – Balance between regional aspirations and national priorities.
- Civic Nationalism – Move beyond identity politics toward constitutional patriotism.
- Cultural Education – Embed civilizational understanding in school curricula.
- Digital Integration – Use technology to connect youth across states through shared platforms.
Core Takeaway
Sardar Patel’s unity was not just geographical consolidation — it was emotional, cultural, and civic integration.
In 2025, his legacy endures as India’s moral compass — reminding that national unity is a continuous collective effort, renewed through participation, inclusivity, and pride in diversity.
