Government to now recall Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, not Indira Gandhi, on October 31

NEW DELHI: October 31, commemorated as former PM Indira Gandhi's death anniversary, is being recast as National Unity Day, a celebration of Sardar Vallabbhai Patel's birth anniversary. Public broadcaster Doordarshan has planned a series of programmes, including coverage of celebrations at Patel's village Karamsad in Gujarat for which an editorial team has been sent and a half-an-hour documentary tracing the life of the 'Lau Purush' ( Iron Man).

DD DG (news) Archana Dutta said the documentary would focus on Patel's contribution to the freedom struggle and his work post-independence. Rare archival footage from the Films Division has been dug up for the documentary which is peppered with historians and academicians outlining Patel's significance in the country's history. DD has also made a promotional video elaborating Patel's vision of India and emphasizing on the theme of National Unity Day.

"The documentary and the programmes are all being done in-house. We have already sent a DD news team to cover the celebrations at Patel's village Karamsad," Dutta said. DD will also cover events like Run for Unity expected to be held in various parts of the country. 'Ekta Daud' ( Run for Unity) will spread the Iron Man's message of good governance and national integration, information and broadcasting minster Prakash Javadekar has said.