Kuala Lumpur- 31 October 2021: 

“Manpower without unity is not a strength unless it is harmonized and united properly, then it becomes a spiritual power”- Sardar Vallabhai Patel                                             

National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) is celebrated in India on 31 October every year. The Government of India introduced it back in 2014. The day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, maintain national unity as well as spread awareness about Patel's contribution to Indian history.

Sardar Vallabhai Patel, an Indian statesman, served as the First Deputy Prime Minister of India from 1947 to 1950. He was an Indian barrister and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress who played a leading role in the country's struggle for independence and guided its integration into a united, independent nation. In India and elsewhere, he was often called Sardar, meaning "chief" in Hindi, Urdu, and Persian. Mahatma Gandhi gave the title ‘Sardar’ to him as recognition for his exceptional organizational skills during the Bardoli Satyagraha (a movement for India’s independence).

As a tribute to Sardar Patel’s contribution to India’s Freedom Struggle, The Statue of Unity was designed by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar and was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31 October 2018 on the 143rd anniversary of Patel's birth. This statue happens to be the world's tallest statue, with a height of 182 meters (597 feet). 

Students of GIIS KL, Standards 6 - 12 participated in various activities to honour this day and Sardar Patel’s legacy. The activities included;

Students of Class 4 - 9 made this day colorful  with beautiful posters. The posters prepared by them depict that strength lies in being united.

Students of Class 6, 7 & 9 participated in a speech making activity. Special note to Neha Vidyashankar of Class 11B who recited a beautiful poem.