Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary as Unity Day

October 24, 2016 Hot from the Oven Valli Sarvani No comments

October 31 is the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai. The government is now planning to observe October 31 as ‘National Unity Day’ in to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Several programs across the country will be organized on that day. The ‘Run for Unity’ is one such event which is planned. This day is also the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh talked to Chief Ministers and Union Ministers and said that October 31 is a day to be observed all over the country for the sake of unity, integrity and security of the nation and hence shall be called ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day).

He said that this occasion should remind everyone of the strength and resilience of India to withstand threats to unity, integrity and security of the country. He asked all the ministers to give their appropriate directions to relevant people so that Rashtriya Ekta Diwas can be successfully organized and celebrated.

He further suggested a ‘Run for Unity’ to be organized at the state/district headquarters involving people from all sections of the society. This is to denote the message of national unity for every part of the nation and society.

In the past, the NDA government celebrated Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary as National Unity Day and now Prime Minister Narendra Modi’ government wants to flag off the ‘Run for Unity’ campaign.

However, previously the Congress led UPA government focused more on Indira Gandhi’s death anniversary using the media publicity and events. Now, the NDA government instead wants to focus on the celebration of Patel’s birth anniversary on October 31.

The move to celebrate on the day of death anniversary of Indira Gandhi has been called “disgusting” and “petty-minded” by the congress party in the past.

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