Amir Andrabi
From the integration of princely states after Independence to the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir, National Unity Day offers an opportunity to reflect on India’s national integration, democratic values and the aspirations of its people.
India celebrates Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, or National Unity Day, on October 31 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the most influential leaders of India’s freedom struggle and the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Popularly remembered as the Iron Man of India, Patel occupies a prominent place in the history of modern India for his extraordinary contribution to bringing together hundreds of princely states and laying the foundation of a politically integrated nation after Independence.
National Unity Day is more than an annual ceremonial observance. It represents the idea that India’s strength lies in its unity, diversity, shared constitutional values and collective commitment to the country’s future. It also provides an opportunity to examine how the idea of national integration has evolved over the decades and how different regions have experienced the process of becoming part of a larger national framework.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contribution to India’s integration came at a particularly challenging moment in history. When British rule ended in August 1947, the subcontinent was divided and hundreds of princely states were faced with the question of their political future. These states had enjoyed varying degrees of autonomy under British paramountcy, and their integration into the newly independent Indian Union was essential for establishing a stable and geographically connected country.
Working closely with V. P. Menon, Patel undertook the enormous responsibility of persuading princely rulers to accede to India. Through political negotiations, diplomatic engagement and, in certain complicated situations, decisive administrative and military measures, the integration process gradually took shape. His handling of the princely states, including Junagadh and Hyderabad, became a defining feature of his political legacy.
The integration of these territories was not merely an exercise in drawing boundaries or consolidating administrative units. It was an effort to create a common political framework in a country characterised by different languages, cultures, traditions and historical experiences. Patel understood that a newly independent India could not afford political fragmentation at a time when the country was facing enormous challenges arising from Partition, displacement, communal tensions and economic uncertainty.
His vision of national unity continues to be remembered as an important foundation of India’s political and territorial consolidation. However, unity in a democratic country also requires continuous efforts to accommodate regional identities, protect constitutional rights and ensure that people from different backgrounds have an equal stake in national progress.
The history of Jammu and Kashmir occupies a distinct place in India’s post-Independence journey. At the time of Partition in 1947, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh. Following the tribal invasion from Pakistan in October 1947, the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession to India on October 26, 1947, and Indian troops were subsequently deployed to defend the territory.
The accession became the foundation of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional relationship with India. However, unlike many other princely states, Jammu and Kashmir retained a special constitutional position under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. This arrangement provided the region with a distinct constitutional framework and considerable autonomy in several legislative and administrative matters, while the provisions of the Indian Constitution were extended to the state through a series of constitutional orders.
For several decades, Article 370 remained one of the most significant and debated features of India’s federal and constitutional structure. Supporters of the provision viewed it as a constitutional safeguard reflecting the circumstances under which Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India. Those advocating its removal argued that it created a separate constitutional arrangement and hindered the complete application of central laws and policies.
The debate continued across successive governments, political parties and constitutional institutions, making Jammu and Kashmir one of the most politically sensitive subjects in India’s national discourse.
A major turning point came on August 5, 2019, when the Union Government announced the effective abrogation of Article 370 through constitutional measures and Parliament approved the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
The decision fundamentally changed the constitutional and administrative status of the erstwhile state. Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into two separate Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, with a legislative assembly, and Ladakh, without a legislature. The new arrangement came into effect on October 31, 2019.
For the Union Government, the decision represented the completion of constitutional integration and an opportunity to establish a uniform legal and administrative framework across the country. It maintained that the move would facilitate development, improve governance, strengthen security and create greater opportunities for the people of the region.
The government also argued that the extension of central laws and welfare schemes would enable residents of Jammu and Kashmir to benefit from provisions applicable elsewhere in the country.
However, the decision was accompanied by political uncertainty, restrictions and a prolonged period of institutional transition. It generated different reactions across Jammu and Kashmir, with political parties and sections of society expressing concerns about the manner in which the decision was taken, the loss of statehood and the future of the region’s constitutional and political identity.
These differing perspectives remain an important part of the discussion surrounding national integration. A comprehensive understanding of the transformation requires acknowledging both the Union Government’s stated objectives and the concerns raised by sections of the population.
The constitutional changes of 2019 subsequently came under judicial scrutiny. On December 11, 2023, the Supreme Court of India unanimously upheld the Union Government’s decision to render Article 370 inoperative. The Court observed that Article 370 was a temporary provision and held that Jammu and Kashmir did not retain internal sovereignty distinct from the Indian Union.
At the same time, the Court directed that steps be taken to restore statehood at the earliest and ordered the conduct of Assembly elections by September 30, 2024. The elections were subsequently held in October 2024, resulting in the formation of an elected government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The restoration of statehood, however, continues to be an important political demand. On September 28, 2026, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed another resolution calling upon the Union Government for the immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood. The resolution reflected the elected House’s position that the region’s political and administrative status should be restored.
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This development brings an important dimension to the observance of National Unity Day. It demonstrates that national integration and regional political aspirations are subjects that must be addressed through democratic institutions, constitutional processes and constructive dialogue.
India’s national unity has never depended on cultural or linguistic uniformity. Rather, the country has maintained its identity through the coexistence of different religions, languages, customs, traditions and regional aspirations. From the Himalayas to the southern coast, from the deserts of Rajasthan to the valleys of Kashmir, India’s diversity constitutes an important part of its national character.
The idea of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat seeks to strengthen this connection by encouraging people from different states and regions to understand one another’s traditions, cultures and social experiences. Such initiatives are particularly important for younger generations, who must recognise that national identity and regional identity can coexist without contradiction.
Jammu and Kashmir represents a significant example of this diversity. Its rich cultural heritage, Sufi traditions, literary contributions, handicrafts, hospitality and natural beauty have long formed part of India’s broader cultural landscape. Kashmiri, Dogri, Gojri, Pahari, Punjabi, Urdu, Balti and other linguistic traditions reflect the region’s plural character.
Therefore, national integration should also involve protecting cultural heritage, encouraging inter-regional understanding and ensuring that the people of every region feel respected and represented.
One of the central arguments advanced by the Union Government in favour of the 2019 reorganisation was that it would accelerate economic development and improve governance in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has since witnessed continued policy attention towards infrastructure, road connectivity, tourism, education, healthcare and investment.
However, development must be evaluated not merely through announcements, projects or financial allocations but through their actual impact on ordinary people.
For a region such as Jammu and Kashmir, economic development has several important dimensions. Tourism remains a major source of livelihood, supporting thousands of families associated with hotels, houseboats, transport, handicrafts, restaurants and other services. Agriculture and horticulture, particularly apple production, saffron cultivation and other high-value crops, continue to sustain a substantial section of the rural economy.
Similarly, the handicraft and handloom sectors represent the region’s traditional economic strengths. Pashmina, carpets, papier-mâché, walnut wood carving and other indigenous products have international recognition. Strengthening these sectors through modern marketing, digital platforms, export opportunities and institutional support can create sustainable employment.
Infrastructure development also has an important role. Improved roads, railway connectivity, electricity supply, healthcare facilities and educational institutions can contribute to economic growth and improve the quality of life. Nevertheless, such development must reach remote and underserved areas, including border districts and mountainous regions.
The success of national integration should ultimately be reflected in equal opportunities, improved living standards and access to public services.
Youth: The most important stakeholders in national unity
The youth of Jammu and Kashmir constitute one of the most important stakeholders in the region’s future. Their aspirations extend beyond political debates and constitutional arrangements. They seek quality education, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, technological advancement, sports infrastructure and a secure environment in which they can pursue their ambitions.
National Unity Day should therefore be an occasion to focus on the future of young people. Educational institutions, universities, skill-development centres and government agencies must work together to provide opportunities that connect local talent with national and international platforms.
The region has enormous potential in information technology, tourism, agriculture, sports, filmmaking, research and entrepreneurship. Encouraging young entrepreneurs, supporting startups and strengthening vocational education can help transform this potential into economic opportunities.
At the same time, young people should be encouraged to participate in democratic processes, community development and social initiatives. Their involvement in public life is essential for building responsible citizenship and strengthening democratic institutions.
A sense of belonging cannot be created through slogans alone. It develops when young people believe that their abilities are recognised, their concerns are heard and their future offers genuine possibilities.
The significance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas lies in its ability to remind citizens that national unity is a continuous process. Constitutional integration may establish a common legal and administrative framework, but lasting unity also requires public confidence, institutional accountability and equal participation.
In Jammu and Kashmir, this means addressing the concerns of different regions and communities, strengthening elected institutions, protecting individual rights and ensuring that governance remains responsive to public needs.
The restoration of statehood, the strengthening of local democratic institutions and the creation of an environment conducive to economic growth are important subjects in the region’s contemporary political discourse. These issues should be addressed through constitutional means and sustained engagement between the Union Government, elected representatives and the people.
It is equally important to recognise that national security and public welfare are interconnected. Peace and stability provide the foundation for investment, tourism, education and economic activity. At the same time, effective governance, justice and public confidence contribute to a more stable social environment.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contribution to the making of modern India remains relevant because the challenges of nation-building did not end with Independence. His efforts to bring together more than 560 princely states demonstrated the importance of political negotiation, administrative coordination and a shared national purpose.
The establishment of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in 2014 provided an institutional platform to remember his contribution and encourage citizens to work towards national unity. Activities such as the Run for Unity, unity pledges, cultural programmes, educational discussions and public awareness campaigns are organised across the country to promote solidarity and patriotism.
But the true significance of the day should not be confined to official ceremonies. It should inspire citizens to rise above regional, religious, linguistic and social divisions and contribute towards a society based on mutual respect and equal opportunities.
For Jammu and Kashmir, October 31 carries a particular historical significance because it marks both the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel and the anniversary of the reorganisation of the former state into two Union Territories in 2019.
The occasion provides an opportunity to examine the region’s constitutional journey, the consequences of the changes introduced in 2019 and the expectations of its people for the future. It should also encourage a constructive discussion on how constitutional integration, democratic representation, development and cultural diversity can complement one another.
Ultimately, the strength of a united India does not lie merely in the geographical integration of its territories but in the confidence, dignity and participation of its people. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s legacy reminds the nation of the historic responsibility of building a strong and united country. In contemporary Jammu and Kashmir, that responsibility must also be reflected in peace, prosperity, democratic empowerment and equal opportunities for every citizen.
National Unity Day, therefore, should serve not only as a tribute to the Iron Man of India but also as a renewed commitment to building a nation in which diversity is respected, institutions are trusted and every region and citizen has an equal opportunity to contribute to the country’s progress.
