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Updated Oct 31, 2026 · 14:27
Rajasthan News Updated Oct 31, 2026

Meghwal Marks Patel's 151st Birth Anniversary in Bikaner

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal marked Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 151st birth anniversary in Bikaner, saying people across the country were pledging to uphold India's unity and integrity. Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said the younger generation must contribute to nation-building, while BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma credited Patel with bringing 563 princely states together. National Unity Day is observed every October 31 to honour Patel's role in integrating princely states after Independence.

Sardar Patel's legacy inspires commitment to national unity: Union Minister Meghwal

Bikaner, Oct 31

On the 151st birth anniversary of freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Saturday said that people across the country were pledging to uphold India's unity and integrity and reaffirming their commitment to keeping the nation united by following the path shown by the 'Iron Man of India'.

Speaking to IANS, Union Minister Meghwal said, "Today marks the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. On this occasion, people across the country pledge to uphold India's unity and integrity. They reaffirm their commitment to keeping the nation united by following the path shown by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel."

He said that similar programmes were being organised across the country on October 31.

"An event was also organised in Bikaner with the participation of the district administration, police administration and social organisations. It was a grand and successful event," Meghwal added.

Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel gave India its unified form and that the strength of the united nation should never be taken for granted.

"The younger generation must also contribute to nation-building by recognising our diversity, respecting one another and keeping the nation first. When we gather and walk together on his birth anniversary, it symbolises our collective commitment to India," Rathore said.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma told IANS that the message of unity needed to reach every corner of the country.

"If anyone could unite the country and bring 563 princely states together, it was a visionary leader like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Today, when we speak of India among developed nations, it is because we are a united country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to this great personality by dedicating the Statue of Unity to him," Sharma said.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, is widely remembered for his decisive leadership in integrating hundreds of princely states into the Indian Union following Independence. His efforts earned him the title of the 'Iron Man of India'.

National Unity Day is observed annually on October 31 to honour his legacy and reinforce the message of national unity, integrity and solidarity.

— IANS

Reader’s Guide · AI-assisted, based only on the report above

What the report makes clear: National Unity Day commemorations were held in Bikaner and elsewhere, with ministers urging citizens to uphold unity and integrity.

Still open: The report does not yet say how many events were held nationwide or what specific programmes are planned beyond October 31.

Another way to look at it: Unity appeals land differently across a diverse country, and how younger generations carry that message is worth watching.

What does national unity mean to you in everyday life?

Reader Voices

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