Important Days

Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 is being observed across India from October 27 to November 2 under the theme “Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility” (सतर्कता: हमारी साझा जिम्मेदारी). Organized by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), the observance aims to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in public life.

The week coincides with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (October 31) and emphasizes participative and preventive vigilance through public outreach. Various government departments, PSUs, and institutions are organizing activities like integrity pledges, seminars, rallies, and competitions to raise awareness.

The campaign underscores that vigilance is not just the task of authorities but a collective civic duty essential for ethical governance and a corruption-free society.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is observed annually on October 31 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s Iron Man who unified 562 princely states after Independence. The 2025 celebration, held at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, is of special significance as it marks Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.

The event features a grand parade and cultural festival with participation from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), State Police, and NCC cadets. Highlights include cavalry and camel-mounted contingents, martial arts displays, and performances by women personnel from CISF and CRPF. The Guard of Honor to the Prime Minister will be led by a female officer, symbolizing women’s empowerment.

Indigenous dog breeds like the Rampur Hound and Mudhol Hound (“Riya”) will perform demonstrations. The celebration will also include Assam Police’s motorcycle stunts, BSF’s Camel Band, and a Surya Kiran air show by the Indian Air Force.

State and UT tableaux will showcase the theme “Unity in Diversity,” while brass bands and cultural performances by 900 artists will highlight India’s heritage. Gallantry award winners from BSF and CRPF will be honored for bravery in anti-Naxal and counter-terror operations.

From November 1–15, 2025, Bharat Parv will be hosted in Ekta Nagar, featuring cultural programs, food festivals, and will conclude with Birsa Munda Jayanti celebrations, emphasizing national unity, cultural diversity, and patriotism.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) celebrates its Raising Day on October 24, marking its establishment in 1962 after the India-China war. Tasked with guarding the 3,488 km India-China border across extreme Himalayan terrains from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, ITBP personnel serve at altitudes between 9,000 and 18,700 feet under harsh weather conditions.

Their responsibilities include border patrols, disaster relief, rescue operations, and internal security duties. On Raising Day, the force displays its skills through parades and demonstrations, while gallantry awards honor its heroes and martyrs. Beyond border security, ITBP also contributes to mountaineering, skiing, and community welfare in remote regions. The day stands as a tribute to the bravery, resilience, and dedication of these “Guardians of the Himalayan Frontiers.”

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed on October 17, highlights global efforts to end poverty and uphold the rights and dignity of the poor.

It began on 17 October 1987, when Father Joseph Wresinski led a gathering in Paris to honor victims of poverty. The UN General Assembly later recognized it officially in 1992 through Resolution 47/196.

The day supports Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1) – End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

Theme 2025: “Supporting Families, Ending Maltreatment” – focusing on strengthening family support and fighting institutional neglect.

Events worldwide include awareness campaigns, policy dialogues, and tributes to those affected. Despite progress, 700 million people still live in extreme poverty, reminding the world that poverty is both an economic and human rights issue.

National Security Guard (NSG) Raising Day is observed every year on October 16 to commemorate the formation of India’s elite counterterrorism and special operations force, known as the Black Cats.

The NSG was established on October 16, 1984, after Operation Blue Star, to combat terrorism and ensure internal security. It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is renowned as the “Zero Error Force” for its precision, discipline, and courage.

The day honors the valor and sacrifices of NSG personnel through ceremonies, parades, and tributes at its main base in Manesar, Haryana.

Key Operations:

• Operation Black Tornado (2008) – Mumbai terror attacks
• Akshardham Temple attack (2002)
• Pathankot Airbase attack (2016)

World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10 October to raise awareness and promote global action for mental well-being. The 2025 theme — “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” — focuses on ensuring mental health support for people affected by conflicts, displacement, natural disasters, and health crises.

The day was first initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992 and is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). It reminds us that mental health is essential to overall health and that stigma must be reduced through awareness and care.

Research shows that 1 in 5 people may experience mental health issues during or after emergencies. However, only 2% of global health budgets are dedicated to mental health, limiting access to crucial care.

On October 8, 2025, India celebrated the 93rd Air Force Day at Hindon Air Base, Ghaziabad, honoring the courage, legacy, and advanced capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The theme for 2025, “Operation Sindoor,” highlighted the IAF’s decisive role in protecting national security through successful air strikes after the Pahalgam attack.

The event featured a grand parade, flypast showcasing aircraft like Rafale, Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Apache, and C-17 Globemaster, and a farewell to the MiG-21 Bison after six decades of service. Indigenous systems like Netra AEW&C and Akash Missile System were also displayed.

The IAF, founded on October 8, 1932, continues to embody its motto “नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्” (“Touch the Sky with Glory”), symbolizing strength, precision, and unwavering dedication to the nation.