31 October in Hindu history
31 October 1875
Vallabhbhai Patel born at Nadiad
The Iron Man of India is born at Nadiad in Gujarat. His birthday is kept as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, National Unity Day.
31 October 1984
Indira Gandhi assassinated; Sikhs massacred in Delhi
Months after Operation Blue Star at the Harmandir Sahib, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is shot by two of her Sikh bodyguards. In the days that follow, mobs kill thousands of Sikhs in Delhi and other cities.