Introduction

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, unified more than 560 princely States after Independence through diplomacy, firmness and constitutional integration. His efforts laid the foundation for modern India’s territorial and emotional integrity. National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas), celebrated annually on October 31 since 2014, reiterates that unity is an evolving national commitment rather than a historical achievement.

• Patel’s Vision of Unity
• Unity based on cooperative federalism, shared heritage and mutual respect, not uniformity.
  • Integration of key territories such as Hyderabad, Junagarh and Jammu & Kashmir preserved national sovereignty post-Partition.
  • Endorsed Article 1 of the Constitution — “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States”.
  • Advocated strong institutions like All India Services for administrative cohesion.
  • Emphasised cultural bonding as the basis of national consciousness.
• Contemporary Relevance of Patel’s Unity Model
• Rising diversity of aspirations requires continued focus on national solidarity.
  • Cultural and social integration reinforce constitutional morality and fraternity (Preamble).
  • National security challenges in border areas demand administrative and emotional integration.
  • Empowerment of marginalised regions strengthens confidence in the Union.
• Government Initiatives Upholding the Spirit of Unity
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat: State–State cultural exchanges promoting linguistic and cultural appreciation.
  • Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar (182 metres, tallest in the world) symbolises Patel’s legacy and attracts major tourism footfall.
  • Dekho Apna Desh, Incredible India 2.0 digital platforms expanding domestic tourism.
  – Domestic tourism registered 294 crore visits in 2024 (Ministry of Tourism).
  • Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes link heritage conservation with local employment generation.
  • Cultural parades, tableaux and art forms showcased at National Unity Day events reinforce shared identity.
  • Panch Pran under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav places unity and national pride at the centre of India’s 2047 aspirations.
• Challenges to National Integration
• Regionalism and sub-nationalism leading to identity-based polarisation.
  • Linguistic and cultural misunderstandings creating alienation among communities.
  • Uneven regional development causing perception of neglect in remote and border areas.
  • Influence of misinformation and divisive narratives undermining national cohesion.
• Way Forward
• Strengthen decentralised development to ensure regions feel equally represented and benefited.
  • Promote cultural literacy through education, exchange programmes and digital outreach.
  • Ensure greater inclusion of North-East, tribal and border communities in national discourse.
  • Expand tourism-driven livelihoods for inter-cultural economic linkages.
  • Reinforce constitutional values of fraternity, equality and respect for diversity through civic engagement.

 Conclusion

Sardar Patel demonstrated that unity is forged through inclusive governance, cultural bonding and collective participation. Commemorating his 150th birth anniversary highlights that national integration is a continuous endeavour shaped by every generation. The true tribute to Patel lies in creating a nation where every citizen — regardless of region, language or identity — feels equally part of the Indian story. Unity, as Patel envisioned, remains both the path and the purpose of India’s democratic journey towards Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.

Syllabus Mapping

• GS Paper I: Modern Indian History, Integration of India, National Identity
  • GS Paper II: Cooperative Federalism, Government initiatives for national integration
  • GS Paper I/II: Role of culture in social cohesion

Linked Previous Years’ Mains Questions

• 2023: Cultural diversity and Indian nationalism
  • 2020: Federalism and regional aspirations
  • 2016: Contributions of Sardar Patel in national integration