Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led the national celebration marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. The day, observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), featured a series of ceremonial events honouring India's first Home Minister.
PM Modi arrived at the Statue of Unity at 8 am, offered prayers and paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel. This was followed by the Ekta Diwas Samaroh, a showcase of India's unity, discipline, and cultural diversity.
PM Modi also administers the oath of unity on the occasion.
The Prime Minister is expected to address the gathering after the parade and cultural events.
The programme will include the inauguration of the Ekta Parade and the administration of the National Unity Pledge by the Prime Minister. The parade will feature a Guard of Honour, flag march, and award-winning contingents led entirely by women officers. Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), National Cadet Corps (NCC), and band contingents will participate, along with mounted units comprising horses, camels, and dogs.
Special performances will include a women’s weapon drill, martial arts displays, daredevil motorcycle stunts, unarmed combat demonstrations, and an NCC show. The event will also feature tableaux from various states and the armed forces, school band performances, and a cultural segment organised by the Ministry of Culture. The Indian Air Force will conclude the ceremony with an air show.
Before arriving at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, PM Modi took to X and greeted the nation on the occasion.
"India pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th Jayanti. He was the driving force behind India’s integration, thus shaping our nation’s destiny in its formative years. His unwavering commitment to national integrity, good governance and public service continues to inspire generations. We also reaffirm our collective resolve to uphold his vision of a united, strong and self-reliant India," he said in his post.
On Thursday, the Prime Minister met the family members of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat's Ekta Nagar. Gautam Patel, Sardar Patel's grandson, attended the cultural programme with his wife Nandita, son Kedar, daughter-in-law Reena, and granddaughter Karina.
"Met the family of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Kevadia. It was a delight to interact with them and recall the monumental contribution of Sardar Patel to our nation," Modi said in a post on X.
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