The birth anniversary of Patel is being celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on October 31 since 2014, when PM Modi became the prime minister for the first time

Patel, born on October 31, 1875, was a freedom fighter and independent India`s first home minister and deputy prime minister. He played a key role in the integration of over 500 princely states in the Union of India after Independence