Ex-Servicemen under the banner of their organisation - Purva Sainik Seva Parishad, held a meeting outlining the nationwide celebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel inside GD Goenka Public School, Namkum, Ranchi, capital city of Jharkhand.

Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, who was the chief guest on the occasion,emphasized Sardar Patel’s unmatched role in unifying India after Independence and informed that a grand national parade was now being held and it will be held every year on October 31, symbolizing India’s unity and integrity.

The day underscores the importance of maintaining the sovereignty, peace and integrity of the nation, encouraging citizens to pledge their commitment to unity in diversity.

Anirudh Singh, Executive Vice -Chairman of Purva Sainik Seva Parishad, Jharkhand,said that the day reminds all citizens of the country one mega work done by Sardar Patel by unifying over 560 princely states.

These princely states covered nearly 40% of India's territory and population that were iron sealed into the Union of India.

Under the Indian Independence Act, rulers of the Princely States were given the option to decide whether they wanted to accede to India or Pakistan or neither. Sardar Patel employed a combination of diplomatic negotiations, persuasion, and, where necessary, firm administrative measures to prevent balkanisation, said Anirudh Singh.

The day was first celebrated in 2014, following a declaration by the Government of India to honour and celebrate Sardar Patel’s remarkable contribution to nation-building.

Following this, during the Rashtriya Ekta Divas held on 31st October, 2015, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had announced the initiative ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ for sustained and structured connect between people of different regions of the country for an enhanced understanding and bonding between them. 

 More than ten Central ministries, state governments, schools, colleges and youth organisations have since been celebrating through various activities to promote such bonding between people from different parts of the country.

This year’s celebration of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is particularly special as it marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel when PM Modi graced the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat.

Annual programs like the Run for Unity and Unity March engage citizens, especially youth, in fostering patriotism and social harmony.