Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2024: Tripura CM Manik Saha honours Sardar Patel's legacy
Synopsis
On Sardar Patel's 151st birth anniversary, Tripura CM Manik Saha led Rashtriya Ekta Diwas observances in Agartala, honouring the leader who merged 562 princely states into India between 1947 and 1949 — a feat Saha called the foundation of modern India's unity.
Key Takeaways
Tripura CM Dr Manik Saha addressed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas programme at Swami Vivekananda Maidan, Agartala on 31 October 2024 .
The event marked the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel .
Saha highlighted Patel's role in integrating 562 princely states into the Indian Union between 1947 and 1949 .
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas has been observed nationally on 31 October every year since 2014 .
A Unity Run from Swami Vivekananda Maidan to Umakanta Mini Stadium was held as part of the observance.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on 31 October 2024 paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas programme held at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala, calling the Iron Man of India an enduring symbol of national unity whose contribution to the country's integration after Independence would never be forgotten. The event marked the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.
Key Remarks by the Chief Minister
Addressing the gathering, Saha said that Sardar Patel's firm determination and decisive leadership had earned him the title of the 'Iron Man of India'. He credited Patel with the historic achievement of integrating 562 princely states into the Indian Union between 1947 and 1949 — a task accomplished, he said, through extraordinary farsightedness and political will.
'Unity in diversity is our strength. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every citizen to protect the unity and integrity of the country,' Saha told the assembled gathering, calling upon the people of Tripura to draw inspiration from Patel's ideals.
About Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas has been observed across India on 31 October every year since 2014 to commemorate Sardar Patel's birth anniversary and honour his contributions to nation-building. The programme in Agartala began with the administration of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge, reaffirming the commitment to preserving the unity, integrity and security of the nation.
Unity Run and Other Observances
As part of the day's observances, a Unity Run commenced from Swami Vivekananda Maidan and concluded at Umakanta Mini Stadium, with participants reaffirming the message of national solidarity. Saha highlighted India's rich diversity — spanning languages, cultures, traditions and ways of life — and noted that the spirit of unity in diversity remained the nation's defining strength.
Officials Present
The event was attended by Scheduled Caste Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das, MLAs Antara Sarkar Deb and Minarani Sarkar, Secretary of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department Kiran Gitte, Secretary of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department Tapas Roy, West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar, and other senior officials.
With Rashtriya Ekta Diwas now in its eleventh year of national observance, the annual commemoration continues to serve as a reminder of the institutional and diplomatic effort required to forge a unified republic from hundreds of sovereign entities.
Point of View
Now in its eleventh year, has become a fixture of the BJP's political calendar — a ceremonial occasion that also serves as a pointed ideological contrast with the Nehruvian framing of Independence-era history. What is often understated in these tributes is the coercive dimension of Patel's integration drive: the police action in Hyderabad and the complex negotiations with states like Junagadh and Kashmir were far from bloodless diplomacy. Honouring Patel's legacy fully would mean grappling with that complexity, not just the unifying outcome. State-level observances like Tripura's are largely ceremonial, but the political messaging — unity, integrity, decisive leadership — is calibrated and consistent across every BJP-governed state.
NationPress
1 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and why is it observed on 31 October?
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, or National Unity Day, is observed on 31 October every year to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It was instituted in 2014 to honour his contributions to national integration and to reaffirm citizens' commitment to India's unity and integrity.
What did Tripura CM Manik Saha say about Sardar Patel?
Saha described Sardar Patel as a towering symbol of national unity, solidarity and integrity, crediting him with integrating 562 princely states into the Indian Union between 1947 and 1949. He called upon the people of Tripura to draw inspiration from Patel's ideals and uphold national unity.
How many princely states did Sardar Patel integrate into India?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is credited with integrating 562 princely states into the Indian Union between 1947 and 1949, a feat that earned him the title of the 'Iron Man of India.'
What events were held in Agartala for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2024?
The Agartala observance included the administration of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge at Swami Vivekananda Maidan and a Unity Run that concluded at Umakanta Mini Stadium. Senior state officials and elected representatives attended the programme.
Since when has Rashtriya Ekta Diwas been observed in India?
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas has been observed across India on 31 October every year since 2014, when it was instituted to commemorate Sardar Patel's birth anniversary and inspire citizens to safeguard national unity.
