Overview The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) , in collaboration with the Ministry of Power (MoP) , observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 on October 31, 2025 , at India Gate, New Delhi . This event paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel , the Iron Man of India , on his birth anniversary, recognizing his monumental contributions to the nation's unity and integrity. Key Participants and Dignitaries The ceremony was graced by the presence of several key dignitaries: Shri Manohar Lal : Hon’ble Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and Minister of Power, served as the Chief Guest. Shri Tokhan Sahu : Hon’ble Minister of State (MoHUA) Shri K. Srinivas : Secretary (MoHUA) Shri Pankaj Agarwal : Secretary (MoP) Event Highlights Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge The event commenced with the administration of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge . This pledge reaffirmed the commitment of all participants to uphold the unity, integrity, and security of the nation. Officers and staff from the Ministries, their attached and subordinate offices, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), and autonomous bodies actively participated in the pledge. Speeches and Addresses Shri Manohar Lal delivered a speech highlighting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s crucial role in uniting India. He emphasized Patel's success in bringing together more than 560 princely states through his vision, determination, and leadership. He also noted that Patel’s public life began in 1917 with his election to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation , and his transformation from a lawyer to a nationalist leader was marked by his leadership in the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi . Continuing the Legacy The Hon’ble Minister emphasized that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shri Amit Shah have played a pivotal role in further strengthening the nation’s unity and integrity. He cited the historic abrogation of Article 370 as a prime example of their unwavering commitment to national integration. Pledge Administration In continuation of the tradition, the Minister administered the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge to all participants, reinforcing their commitment to preserve the unity, integrity, and security of the nation and to contribute to the spirit of national unification inspired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel . National Anthem The programme concluded with the National Anthem , marking a solemn tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s enduring legacy of unity and nation-building. UPSC Relevance This event is relevant to the UPSC syllabus in several ways: GS1: Modern Indian History : Understanding the role of Sardar Patel in post-independence India. GS2: Government Policies and Interventions : Analyzing government initiatives to promote national unity. GS4: Ethics and Human Interface : Reflecting on the values of unity, integrity, and dedication to national service exemplified by Sardar Patel. Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Contribution : His role in integrating princely states is a critical aspect of Indian history. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas : Its significance in promoting national unity and integrity. Contemporary Relevance : The ongoing efforts to strengthen national integration, such as the abrogation of Article 370.