Sardar Patel National Unity Award: Government likely to name winner this year

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is reportedly closing in on naming the inaugural recipient of the Sardar Patel National Unity Award, with an announcement scheduled for October 31. Despite the award's inception in September 2019 and the receipt of over 100 nominations annually, no recipients have been chosen thus far, prompting deliberations to determine the first winner.

This award, set to coincide with the conclusion of the two-year celebrations marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birth anniversary, will be presented alongside the Padma Awards by the President the following year. It is anticipated to be equivalent to the Padma Vibhushan and may involve two or three recipients. Over 150 individuals were nominated this year, following a June 1 to July 31 window for submissions.

The MHA has enlisted state and union secretaries to submit nominations, and a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Secretary to the President, and Home Secretary will review the applications. The nominee must demonstrate exceptional efforts and contributions towards national unity and integrity, inspiring others and reinforcing the value of a strong, united India.

The award, to be awarded posthumously only in rare, exceptional cases, comes with a medal and a citation, featuring a gold and silver lotus leaf with Patel's portrait and the national emblem.