Government to celebrate Patel's birth anniversary in befitting manner

October 31 is also the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

New Delhi, Oct 23 The government is all set to observe October 31 as 'National Unity Day' to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in a befitting manner across the country by organising various programmes, including the 'Run for Unity'.

October 31 is also the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In a communication to Chief Ministers and Union Ministers, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said October 31 is being observed all over the country as a day of special occasion to foster and reinforce the dedication to preserve and strengthen unity, integrity and security of the nation by celebrating it as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' (National Unity Day).

"The occasion provides us an opportunity to reaffirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of the country."

"I, therefore, request you to give appropriate directions and guidance to all concerned so that Rashtriya Ekta Diwas could be organised and celebrated in a befitting manner," he said in the letter.

The Home Minister also suggested that a 'Run for Unity' should also be organised at the state/district headquarters involving people from all sections of the society, so that a message of national unity permeates to every part of the nation and the society.

The NDA government had in the past celebrated Sardar Patel's birth anniversary as National Unity Day with Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagging off the 'Run for Unity' campaign here.

aUnlike the previous Congress-led UPA government which used to commemorate Gandhi's death anniversary with wide media publicity and events, the NDA government has instead chosen to celebrate Patel's birth anniversary on October 31.

Congress had termed as "disgusting" and "petty-minded" the way the Modi government marked the death anniversary of Indira Gandhi in the past.

PTI