National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is celebrated on 31st October every year since 2014 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel - India’s first deputy Prime Minister, popularly known as the ‘Iron Man of India’. He played a major role in persuading over 500 princely states to accede to the independent Indian Union. He integrated all princely states into the newly independent India, despite several hurdles.

Indian Railways observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas with all Zonal railways marking special events on the occasion commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel in keeping with his lofty mission of national integration and service towards the cause of the nation.