National Library Celebrates Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

The National Library of India in Kolkata marked Rashtriya Ekta Diwas with the inauguration of a special exhibition honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. The event highlighted Patel’s enduring legacy in uniting the nation and establishing the foundations of India’s modern administrative framework.

Exhibition Showcases Rare Archival Treasures

The exhibition, hosted at S.P.M. Bhasha Bhawan, was inaugurated by Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, Additional Director General of BSF Eastern Command, alongside Prof. Ajay Pratap Singh, Director General of the National Library. Open to visitors until 30 November 2025, the display features rare books, letters, and photographs that trace Patel’s role in integrating over 500 princely states after independence and shaping India’s civil services.

Call For Unity, Vigilance, And Integrity

Addressing the audience, ADG Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal underscored that national unity demands the active participation of every citizen, not just leaders or soldiers. He warned against corruption and complacency, describing them as historical weaknesses that once made India vulnerable to external domination. He urged citizens to uphold vigilance, honesty, and collective responsibility to preserve national integrity.

Preserving Heritage And Intellectual Strength

Aggarwal also highlighted the importance of cultural preservation, describing the National Library as the “custodian of India’s intellectual heritage.” He noted that protecting rare manuscripts and historical records contributes to the nation’s long-term strength and progress. The exhibition’s archival materials, he said, reflect Patel’s vision of a cohesive and self-reliant India.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The exhibition on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel opened at the National Library, Kolkata, on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
• It will remain open to the public until 30 November 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The event was inaugurated by ADG Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal and DG Prof. Ajay Pratap Singh.
• Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed annually on 31 October to commemorate Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary.

Sardar Patel’s Enduring Legacy

Prof. Ajay Pratap Singh hailed Patel as the architect of India’s unity and administrative system. He highlighted how Patel’s firm diplomacy and political foresight transformed a fragmented post-independence India into a stable federation. The event concluded with a collective call to uphold Patel’s ideals of unity, integrity, and national service—values that continue to guide the nation’s democratic and institutional resilience.