One India, Great India: The Legacy of Ekta Diwas

By: Dr.Wahengbam Rorrkychand Singh

Every year on October 31, the nation pauses to honour one of its tallest leaders — Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. His vision, courage and statesmanship transformed a fragmented subcontinent into a single, united country. The day is observed as Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day, a tribute not only to Patel’s leadership but also to the enduring idea of India — diverse yet indivisible.

The Man Who Forged a Nation

When India won independence in 1947, celebration came with an enormous challenge. The British left behind more than 560 princely states, each with its own ruler and aspirations. The dream of a united India could have easily collapsed into chaos and division.

At that critical moment, Sardar Patel stepped forward as the architect of national integration. With a rare blend of firmness and diplomacy, he persuaded most rulers to accede to India, while dealing decisively with those who resisted. His handling of Hyderabad, Junagadh and other difficult regions showed a combination of restraint, tact and iron will.

Patel’s success was not just administrative; it was visionary. He believed that political unity was the foundation upon which India’s social and economic progress would stand. Without his leadership, the India we know today — stretching from Kashmir to Kanyakumari — might never have taken shape.

The Meaning Behind Ekta Diwas

Ekta Diwas is not a mere date on the calendar. It is a reminder of the values that bind us as a nation. It urges every Indian to remember that our strength lies in our unity, not in our divisions. The observance of the day across schools, institutions and offices — through runs for unity, cultural programs and pledges — is a symbolic reaffirmation of the principle Patel stood for: India first, always.

But beyond ceremony, the essence of Ekta Diwas lies in reflection. In a nation as vast and diverse as ours — with its multitude of languages, religions and customs — unity does not mean uniformity. It means the willingness to stand together despite differences, and to see in that diversity our greatest strength.

Relevance in a Changing India

More than seven decades after independence, the message of Ekta Diwas feels as relevant as ever. The challenges facing India today are different from those of 1947, yet they echo the same theme — the need to stay united amidst complexity.

Regionalism, communal divides and political polarization continue to test our collective spirit. But the idea of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” — One India, Great India — remains the guiding light. It reminds us that India’s greatness lies not in sameness, but in its ability to hold together countless differences through shared values and mutual respect.

The Statue of Unity in Gujarat, standing tall at 182 meters, is more than a monument. It is a message in stone — that one man’s determination can shape a nation’s destiny. It stands as a daily reminder of Patel’s belief that India’s unity was not a gift, but an achievement won through vision and resolve.

The Living Legacy of Patel

Patel’s legacy cannot be confined to the pages of history. It lives in the very structure of India — in its civil services, its federal framework, and its national character. His emphasis on discipline, duty and national interest continues to guide public life.

He once said, “Manpower without unity is not a strength unless it is harmonized and united properly.” His words hold a mirror to our times, when rapid progress and technological change must still be rooted in a sense of common purpose. Unity, for Patel, was not an abstract idea — it was the lifeblood of a strong and stable democracy.

One India, Great India

To celebrate Ekta Diwas is to celebrate the idea of nationhood that transcends all barriers — caste, creed, language or region. It calls upon every citizen to rise above narrow loyalties and commit to the larger ideal of India.

As we mark this day each year, we must remember that unity is not inherited; it must be nurtured. It is a daily act of responsibility — in how we treat each other, how we respect diversity, and how we place the nation above self-interest.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel gave us a united India. The task of keeping it strong, inclusive and vibrant rests with us. The spirit of Ekta Diwas reminds us that only a united India can truly be a great India — One India, Great India.