New Delhi witnessed a powerful display of national solidarity today as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs joined hands with the Ministry of Power to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025. The grand ceremony took place at the iconic India Gate, where officials and employees gathered to remember Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary.
A Tribute to the Architect of United India
The event brought together leaders and staff from both ministries, along with representatives from public sector units and autonomous organisations. Union Minister Manohar Lal, who heads both Housing and Urban Affairs and Power portfolios, led the proceedings as the chief guest. He was accompanied by Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Secretary K. Srinivas from MoHUA, and Secretary Pankaj Agarwal from the Power Ministry.
The morning began with a solemn pledge that echoed across the historic venue. Every participant repeated the words committing to protect India’s unity, territorial integrity, and internal security. This collective vow served as a reminder of the shared responsibility to uphold the nation’s strength and harmony.
Sardar Patel’s Journey from Lawyer to Nation-Builder
In his address, Minister Manohar Lal took everyone back to the early days of Sardar Patel’s public life. He shared how the leader first entered politics in 1917 after winning a seat in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. What started as local governance soon transformed into a national mission.
Under Mahatma Gandhi’s mentorship, Patel led the famous Kheda Satyagraha in 1918. This movement against unfair land revenue policies marked his evolution from a successful lawyer to a determined freedom fighter. The minister explained how Patel’s strategic thinking and firm resolve later helped merge over 560 princely states into the Indian Union after independence.
Continuing the Legacy of National Integration
The minister connected Patel’s historic achievements to present-day efforts in maintaining India’s oneness. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their strong leadership in this direction. The removal of Article 370 stood out as a landmark decision that reinforced constitutional unity across all regions.
These steps, he noted, carry forward the same vision that guided Sardar Patel during the challenging post-independence years. The minister stressed that true unity requires continuous effort from every citizen, not just during special occasions.
The Power of Collective Commitment
Following the speech, Minister Manohar Lal personally led the unity pledge for the second time. Standing together, hundreds of officers and employees raised their right hands and promised to work towards a stronger, more cohesive India. The words of the pledge highlighted the need to rise above regional, linguistic, and cultural differences for the greater national good.
The ceremony drew participation from various levels of both ministries. Senior officials, junior staff, and representatives from attached offices all stood shoulder to shoulder. Even employees from central public sector enterprises and independent bodies joined in, making it a truly inclusive gathering.
Why Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Matters Today
More than seven decades after independence, the message of unity remains relevant. Rapid urban growth, digital connectivity, and economic progress have changed India’s landscape, but the core challenge of keeping diverse communities together persists. Events like this serve as annual checkpoints to renew our collective dedication.
The choice of India Gate as the venue added symbolic weight. This war memorial stands for sacrifice and national pride, making it a fitting location to honour someone who dedicated his life to building a united nation. The open space allowed natural light to illuminate the gathering, creating a serene atmosphere for reflection and resolve.
Looking Ahead: Unity in Action
Beyond ceremonies, the real test lies in daily actions. Government employees who took the pledge today return to offices dealing with housing schemes, urban development projects, and power infrastructure. Each decision they make can either strengthen or weaken the fabric of national unity.
The ministries’ joint celebration sent a strong message about inter-departmental harmony. When Housing and Power teams work together seamlessly, it sets an example for other sectors. This collaboration becomes especially crucial for smart city projects that require coordinated electricity and urban planning.
As the programme ended with the national anthem, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose. The melody filled the air around India Gate, reminding everyone of the shared identity that binds 1.4 billion people. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 thus became more than a ritual, it turned into a living commitment to Sardar Patel’s dream of an unbreakable India.