New Delhi, Oct. 31 -- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, honored on Ekta Diwas 2025, is celebrated as the Iron Man who unified India by integrating over 560 princely states through negotiation and firmness.

His vision emphasized moral cohesion alongside political unity, underlining the responsibilities of citizenship. Patel created institutions such as the All India Services, which laid the groundwork for a pluralistic democracy, advocating for impartial public service.

His legacy is reaffirmed today through various initiatives promoting national unity under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Patel's commitment to constitutional nationalism transcended religious divides, making his vision relevant amid contemporary challenges of urbanization and soci...